Modular truck rack system

Abstract

A modular truck rack system (22) comprising a chase rack (18) or a rear pillar (14) comprising an angled member. The angled member is adapted to extend from a sidewall (30) of a cargo area (12) of a vehicle toward a roof of a cab (16) of the vehicle. The modular truck rack system (22) comprises at least one side panel (24) fastenable, at a first end thereof, to the angled member; a roof panel (26) fastenable, at a first end thereof, to the chase rack or the rear pillar; and a rear panel (28) fastenable to the at least one side panel and / or the roof panel. The at least one side panel has an edge corresponding in shape with the angled member.

Description

MODULAR TRUCK RACK SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 546,419, filed October 30, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD

[0002] The present teachings relate to a modular truck rack system.BACKGROUND

[0003] Truck caps are used to protect truck beds and cargo stored therein as well as provide covered vertical space above the sidewalls of the bed for accommodating larger items. Truck caps are widely available for various truck models and are provided in soft-material and rigid-material varieties. The truck caps generally have a rectangular construction, whereby a front side of the truck caps tenninate adjacent to the rear window of the cab and have a generally flat surface extending from the roof down to a front wall of the bed. However, a small quantity of truck models have an angled rearmost pillar, such as tire Chevrolet Avalanche and tire newly released Chevrolet Silverado EV, which is a profile that does not fit conventional truck caps and poses some design challenges for truck caps.

[0004] Similar to the angled reannost pillar, chase racks are popular aftermarket truck accessories that feature an angled rearmost pillar. Chase racks can be installed for aesthetic reasons but can also accommodate the mounting of various accessories above the bed while remaining relatively low profile. Unlike typical angled pillars provided as stock features by original equipment manufacturers, chase racks can be installed and removed. Thus, chase racks can be removed for conventional truck caps to be installed. However, this poses an inconvenience to the owner.

[0005] Other options for protection of the truck bed and the provision of accessory mounting points are known. One such option includes overland racks, which typically comprise skeletonized frames that span 1 / 3 or more. 2 / 3 or more, or even the entire length of the bed. Overland racks provide greater storage space for mounting accessories and can at least partially protect the bed.

[0006] Truck caps, chase racks, overland racks, and the like can serve different purposes, which may be needed at some times but not others. Interchanging these accessories can be time consuming and require the combined effort of multiple people. Moreover, owning two or more of these accessories for interchanging can be expensive and also impractical when it comes to storage.

[0007] There is a need for a modular track rack system that can fit an angled rearmost pillar, whether stock from the original equipment manufacturer or on a chase rack.

[0008] There is a need for a modular truck rack system that can function as a truck cap and provide protection of the bed and cargo stored therein from the elements (e.g., rain, snow, wind, etc.).

[0009] There is a need for a modular truck rack system that can be configured into a cap. chase rack, overland rack, or any combination thereof.

[0010] There is a need for a modular truck rack system that can be configured to provide various levels of protection, mounting points for accessories, or both.

[0011] There is a need for a modular truck rack having a plurality of segments that occupy less space compared to conventional caps, chase racks, and overland racks.SUMMARY

[0012] The present teachings provide for a modular truck rack system, which may address at least some of the needs identified above.

[0013] Tire modular truck rack system may comprise a chase rack or a rear pillar comprising an angled member adapted to extend from a sidewall of a cargo area of a vehicle toward a roof of a cab of the vehicle.

[0014] The modular truck rack system may comprise at least one side panel fastenable, at a first end thereof, to the angled member. An edge of the at least one side panel may correspond in shape with the angled member of the chase rack or the rear pillar.

[0015] Tire modular truck rack system may comprise a roof panel fastenable, at a first end thereof, to the chase rack or the rear pillar.

[0016] The modular truck rack system may comprise a rear hatch fastenable to the at least one side panel and / or the roof panel.

[0017] The chase rack or the rear pillar may comprise two opposing side support members, comprising the angled member. An aperture may be formed within the two opposing side support members. At least one cover panel, window, or both may be fastenable to the two opposing side support members to at least partially cover the aperture.

[0018] The chase rack or the rear pillar may comprise a horizontal support member extending between and connecting the two opposing side support members.

[0019] The roof panel may be fastenable to the horizontal support member.

[0020] The at least one side panel and / or the roof panel may comprise a skeletonized frame. The skeletonized frame of the at least one side panel and / or tire roof panel may accept one or more cover panels, one or more windows, or both.

[0021] The modular truck rack system may comprise a flexible cover supportable by the at least one side panel, the roof panel, or both. The flexible cover may be fabricated from vinyl.

[0022] The chase rack or the rear pillar, at least one side panel, the roof panel, or any combination thereof may comprise a continuous surface extending entirely across the perimetric edges defining the same.

[0023] The at least one side panel and / or the roof panel may comprise fasteners and / or holes for accepting fasteners adapted to connect the one or more cover panels, one or more windows, or both thereto. The fasteners may include snaps, screws, bolts, pins, latches, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or any combination thereof.

[0024] Tire flexible cover may fasten to the chase rack or pillar, the at least one side panel, the roof panel, the rear panel, or any combination thereof via snaps, ties, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or any combination thereof.

[0025] The rear panel may comprise a hatch.

[0026] The chase rack or rear pillar, the at least one side panel, the roof panel, the rear panel, or any combination thereof may comprise one or more seals located along at least one edge thereof.

[0027] Tire one or more seals may be adapted to locate between adjacent panels.

[0028] The one or more seals may be compressible between adjacent panels or between a panel and tire chase rack or rear pillar that is adjacent to the panel.

[0029] The one or more seals may include an elastomeric polymer, a foamed polymer, or both.

[0030] Adjacent panels may be connected by one or more draw latches. The at least one side panel and the roof panel may be connected by one or more draw latches. The rear panel and either or both of the at least one side panel and tire roof panel may be connected by one or more draw latches. The chase rack or rear pillar and either or both of the at least one side panel and the roof panel may be connected by one or more draw latches.

[0031] The at least one side panel and the roof panel may be monolithic. The at least one side panel, the roof panel, and the rear panel may be monolithic.

[0032] Tire chase rack, the at least one side panel, and / or the rear panel may be supportable on and / or fastenable to one or more walls of a truck bed and / or one or more rails fastened to one or more walls of a truck bed.

[0033] The at least one side panel may extend along about 1 / 3 or more, more preferably about 2 / 3 or more, or even more preferably along an entire length of a truck bed.

[0034] The modular truck rack system may comprise a front panel. The front panel may be fastenable to the chase rack or rear pillar.

[0035] The present teachings provide for a vehicle comprising the modular truck rack system according to any of the foregoing paragraphs.BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to the present teachings.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle with a chase rack according to the present teachings.

[0038] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a modular truck rack system according to the present teachings.DESCRIPTION

[0039] Tire present teachings describe a modular truck rack system. Tire modular truck rack system may include a variety of configuration in which the structure and / or function of a truck cap, a chase rack, an overland rack, or any combination thereof may be replicated. The modular truck rack system may comprise two or more independent elements that install on and / or over a cargo area and cooperate with each other. One or more of these independent elements may be added to or removed from the cargo area to provide for various useful configurations.

[0040] The modular truck rack system may comprise a plurality of panels described herein that may be arranged together in various configurations over the truck bed. The panels may be generally planar, making them suitable for storage while occupying little space, such as stacked in an upright arrangement. The panels may cooperate to form a structure over the truck bed and by virtue of partitioning the structure into discrete panels, installation may be performed by an individual. The panels may be fabricated to be lightweight and relatively less cumbersome than, e.g., conventional truck caps and overland racks.

[0041] The modular truck rack system, as described herein, may form an open configuration and / or a closed configuration. Open configuration may refer to an arrangement in which the bed is not completely protected from the elements (e.g., rain, snow, wind, etc.). Closed configuration may refer to an arrangement in which the bed may be protected from the elements (e.g., rain, snow, wind, etc ). The closed configuration may be achieved via an assembly of one or more panels, cover panels, covers, or any combination thereof.

[0042] The modular truck rack system may be configurable to suit various uses. In an arrangement resembling a truck cap, an enclosed storage space may be fonned by which the bed and cargo stored therein may be protected from the elements. In an arrangement resembling an overland rack, a frame may be defined for mounting various accessories and possibly even supporting accessories and / or cargo (e.g., a rooftop tent) on top of the frame. In an arrangement resembling a chase rack, a frame may be defined for mounting various accessories.

[0043] In some aspects, the modular truck rack system of the present teachings may comprise or cooperate with at least a chase rack or a structure resembling a chase rack (e.g., angled surfaces of a cab pillar). In this regard, one or more panels described herein may fasten to the chase rack and form an overland rack or a truck cap.

[0044] The modular truck rack system described herein may find application in carrying cargo loads, camping, overlanding. off-roading, hunting, or any combination thereof.

[0045] The modular truck rack system may be installed on a vehicle such as a truck (e.g.. a pickup truck). The truck may comprise a cab to the front of the truck and a bed to the rear of the truck. The bed may be defined by a plurality of walls including a front wall, two opposing sidewalls, and a tailgate. The front wall and tailgate may be located on opposing sides of the bed and extend between the two opposing sidewalls. Tire plurality of walls may comprise mounting features on the top surfaces and / or inner surfaces thereof. These mounting features may be provided as stock from the original equipment manufacturer. Hie mounting features may comprise holes for accepting bolts or pins (e.g.. twist-lock and / or detent pins), tracks (e.g., T-shaped tracks), the like, or any combination thereof.

[0046] The plurality of walls may have rails attached thereto. The rails may function to support the modular truck rack system, provide stability to tire modular truck rack system, prevent damage to tire top surfaces of the walls, or any combination thereof. Tire rails may be installed on the top surfaces of one or more of the walls. Hie rails may be installed inboard of the top surface of the one or more walls. Hie rails may attach to the rails via the mounting features. The rails may attach to the rails via fasteners. The fasteners may comprise bolts, screws, clamps, latches, the like, or any combination thereof. In one example, the rails may be clamped to a downwardly extending lip of one or more the walls.

[0047] Hie modular truck rack system may comprise a chase rack or a rear pillar. The chase rack may be installed on the vehicle. The rear pillar of a cab may be a feature provided stock on the vehicle by an original equipment manufacturer. The rear pillar, as described herein, may refer to the rearmost pillar of the cab. For example, the rear pillar may be a B-pillar in a two-door vehicle and a C-pillar in a four-door vehicle. The present teachings contemplate that where the rear pillar is provided on the vehicle, a separate chase rack may not be used.

[0048] Hie chase rack and the rear pillar may comprise two opposing side support members. Hie two opposing side support members may comprise an angled member. Hie angled member may be oriented generally upright on the vehicle. The angled member may extend from a top surface of one or more of the walls toward a roof of the cab, at an acute angle oriented toward the cab (and an obtuse angle oriented toward the tailgate).

[0049] The two opposing side support members may have a generally triangular shape, trapezoidal shape, or any other suitable shape. The two opposing side support members may include a trailing member that extends at least partially a length of the two opposing sidewalls.

[0050] The two opposing side support members may comprise an aperture. The aperture may be defined by two or more edges of the side support members. The modular truck rack system may comprise one ormore cover panels, windows, or both that locate within or over the aperture. Fastening mechanisms for the one or more cover panels and windows are described herein.

[0051] The two opposing side support members may be oriented vertically or at an acute angle oriented toward a centerline of the vehicle.

[0052] The chase rack and the rear pillar may comprise a horizontal support member. The horizontal support member may extend between the two opposing side support members. The horizontal support member may connect the two opposing side support members.

[0053] The modular truck rack system may comprise at least one side panel. The at least one side panel may function to at least partially cover a side of the bed between the front wall and the tailgate, provide mounting points for accessories, protect cargo from the elements, or any combination thereof. The at least one side panel may be fastenable, at a first end thereof, to the angled member The at least one side panel may be fastenable, at a second end thereof, to a rear panel. Fastening mechanisms for the at least one side panel are described herein.

[0054] The at least one side panel may be fastenable to and / or supported by a sidewall of the bed and / or a rail connected to the sidewall. Fastening mechanisms for the at least one side panel are described herein.

[0055] The at least one side panel may be oriented vertically or at an acute angle oriented toward a centerline of the vehicle. Preferably the at least one side panel is co-planar with the two opposing side support members.

[0056] The first end of the at least one side panel may have an edge that is complementary in shape to the chase rack or pillar. The edge may have one or more angled and / or curved surface corresponding to one or more angled and / or curved surfaces of the angled member of the chase rack or pillar.

[0057] The modular truck rack system may comprise one or more roof panels. The one or more roof panels may function to support cargo, at least partially cover a roof of the modular truck rack system, provide mounting points for accessories, protect cargo from the elements, or any combination thereof.

[0058] The one or more roof panels may be fastenable, at a first end thereof, to the horizontal support member. The one or more roof panels may be fastenable, at a second end thereof, to a rear panel. Tire one or more roof panels may be fastenable, at opposing sides thereof, to the at least one side panel. The one or more roof panels may be supported by the at least one side panel. Fastening mechanisms for the at least one side panel are described herein.

[0059] Tire modular truck rack system may comprise one or more rear panels. The rear panel may function to at least partially cover the rear of the modular truck rack system (e.g., above the tailgate), protect cargo from the elements, provide access into the bed, or any combination thereof.

[0060] The rear panel may comprise a hatch. The hatch may open, such as pivoting upward, pivoting downward, or pivoting to the side. The hatch may include a force assist mechanism (e.g., a hydraulic piston, a spring, etc.) for assisting opening and / or closing the hatch.

[0061] The rear hatch may include a window for providing the driver a view behind the vehicle.

[0062] The rear panel may be fastenable to the at least one side panel and / or the one or more roof panels. The rear panel may comprise a frame that at least partially surrounds the hatch. The frame may fasten to the at least one side panel, the one or more roof panels, or both. Fastening mechanisms for the rear panel are described herein.

[0063] The at least one side panel and / or the one or more roof panels may comprise a skeletonized frame. The skeletonized frame may define the perimeter of the at least one side panel and the one or more roof panels. The skeletonized frame may extend between the perimetric edges of the at least one side panel and / or the one or more roof panels. Without limitation, the skeletonized frame may extend longitudinally, transversely, at an angle to longitudinal and / or transverse axes, or any combination thereof.

[0064] The skeletonized frame may define mounting arrangements for the cover panels and / or windows described herein. That is, cover panels and / or windows may be located within or over gaps between the skeletonized frame. The skeletonized frame may support the cover panels and / or windows. In another aspect, a cover (e.g., a soft cover) may be disposed over the skeletonized frame.

[0065] Tire modular truck rack system may comprise one or more cover panels, windows, or both. The cover panels, w indows, or both may function to seal at least a portion of the at least one side panel, tire one or more roof panels, or both. Multiple of the cover panels, windows, or both may cooperate to form a solid panel that is sealed-off from ingress of fluid, debris, or both. One or more of the cover panels and windows may be installed on the chase rack, the at least one side panel, the one or more roof panels, the rear panel, or any combination thereof.

[0066] Tire cover panels may comprise a continuous surface extending entirely between the edges defining the cover panels. In this regard, the cover panels may provide security to the bed, protect the bed from fluid ingress, protect the bed from debris ingress, or any combination thereof.

[0067] The cover panels may comprise one or more mounting points for accessories. The mounting points may comprise holes for accepting fasteners, brackets (e.g., integrally formed to the cover panels), slots, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0068] Tire windows may comprise a transparent material providing a view therethrough. The windows may be fabricated from a soft material (e.g., transparent vinyl) or a rigid material (e.g.. glass or plexiglass). The windows may or may not be openable. Windows that open may do so via a sliding mechanism and / or a hinged mechanism.

[0069] Tire cover panels may comprise one or more seals. Tire one or more seals may function to form a seal between the cover panels and the panel to which they are fastened (e.g.. side panels, roof panels, or rear panels). The seals may comprise a polymeric material. The polymeric material may be an elastomeric material. The polymeric material may be foamed. The seals may be compressible between the cover panels and the panel to which they are fastened. The seals may prevent fluid ingress, debris ingress, or both. Preferably the seals extend around the entire perimeter of the cover panels. Preferably the seals are comprised by the cover panels and engage with tire panels to which they are fastened upon installation of the cover panels, although the present teachings contemplate that tire seals may be located on the panels (side, roof, or rear panels) and engage with the cover panels upon installation of the cover panels.

[0070] The modular track rack system may comprise a cover. The cover may extend over the at least one side panel and the one or more roof panels. The cover may be supported by the at least one side panel and the one or more roof panels.

[0071] Tire cover may extend from a front end to a rear end of tire modular track rack system. The cover may extend from a first side rail of the bed to a second side rail of the bed. The cover may extend over the at least one side panel, over the one or more roof panels, over the rear panel, or any combination thereof.

[0072] The cover may comprise one or more segments. Each of the segments may be associated with the panels described herein. Two or more of the segments may be monolithic with each other. That is two or more of the segments may be continuous. For example, a segment extending over a side panel and a segment extending over a roof panel may be continuous and distinguished by a crease or fold therebetween. Two or more of the segments may be discrete from one or more other segments. Two or more segments may fasten together. Said fastening may be via zippers, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, clips, magnets, ties, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0073] The cover may comprise a flap that extends over any gap between the modular track rack system described herein and a cab of the vehicle. Tire flap may function to prevent fluid ingress and / or debris ingress between the system and the cab.

[0074] The cover may be fabricated from a flexible material. The flexible material may include a polymer. An exemplary polymer may include vinyl.

[0075] The cover may be fastenable to the at least one side panel, the one or more roof panels, the rear panel, or any combination thereof. Tire cover may comprise snaps, clips, ties, magnets, or the like that engage the at least one side panel, the one or more roof panels, the rear panel, or any combination thereof, or complementary fastening elements located thereon.

[0076] In some aspects, the at least one side panel, the roof panel, the rear panel, or any combination thereof may comprise a continuous surface extending at least partially across the edges defining the same.That is, two or more of the panels may be monolithic.

[0077] The at least one side panel, the roof panel, the rear panel, or any combination thereof may comprise one or more seals. Tire seals may prevent fluid ingress, debris ingress, or both. The one or more seals may function to form a seal between the adjacent panels. Tire seals may comprise a polymeric material. The polymeric material may be an elastomeric material. The polymeric material may be foamed. The seals may be compressible between the adjacent panels. The seals may extend along at least a portion of the perimeter of the panels. The seals may extend along one or more edges of the panels. Preferably, seals are present on all adjoining edges of the panels described herein.

[0078] To the extent that cover panels, windows, covers, or any combination thereof are installed on the vehicle, which are not completely weatherproof, it is understood that the bed and cargo stored therein maybe protected from theft. In this regard, while some apertures, gaps, or otherwise may be present in the modular truck rack system, the same may not be large enough to access cargo w ithin the bed.

[0079] Tire modular truck rack system may comprise one or more fastening mechanisms for the chase rack or rear pillar, the at least one side panel, the one or more roof panels, the rear panel, the front panel, the one or more cover panels, the one or more window s, the cover, or any combination thereof.

[0080] The fastening mechanisms for elements fastenable to the vehicle may leverage existing mounting points on the vehicle. For instance, the chase rack may be fastened to sidew'alls of a bed, such as via bolts extending through the chase rack and into the top surfaces of the sidewalls. In vehicles having angled rear pillars, existing mounting points thereon may be used to fasted the at least one side panel. It is understood that a frame member of the vehicle may be used as the horizontal support member. In some aspects, trim pieces of the vehicle on the rear pillar and / or the frame member may be removed to access the frame member and mounting points for the at least one side panel and / or the one or more roof panels.

[0081] The chase rack, the at least one side panel, the one or more roof panels, or any combination thereof may be fastened to tire vehicle. Where the chase rack is present the one or more roof panels may be fastened to the vehicle. Any elements described herein that fasten to the vehicle may or may not fasten to each other. For example, a chase rack and the at least one side panel may be rigidly fastened to the vehicle and may be free of attachment to each other. Although, the present teachings contemplate an engagement of such elements. For example, a seal may be compressed between a chase rack and a side panel.

[0082] The chase rack or pillar, the at least one side panel, the one or more roof panels, the front panel, the rear panel, or any combination thereof may fasten to each other. The fasteners may include bolts, screws, or the like. One or more brackets may extend from one element and over or under an adjacent element. The brackets may accept the foregoing fasteners. The fasteners may include latches. The latches may include draw- latches. In this regard, the draw latch may comprise a catch, an arm. and a handle. The catch may be located on one panel and the ann and the handle may be located on another panel. The arm may engagewith the catch and the handle may be pivoted to draw panels together. Draw latches may be particularly advantageous for compressing seals between adjacent panels.

[0083] The one or more cover panels, windows, covers, or any combination thereof may fasten to the chase rack, the at least one side panel, the one or more roof panels, the rear panel, or any combination thereof. The same may comprise fasteners, holes for accepting fasteners, engagement surfaces, or any combination thereof.

[0084] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 10 with a cargo area 12 and a pillar 14 extending from a cab 16 toward the cargo area 12. FIG. 2 shows a vehicle 10 with a cargo area 12 and a chase rack 18 extending over the cargo area 12. In both instances, an angled member 20 is present that generally extends, at an angle, from the cargo area 12 toward the roof of the cab 16. In conventional accessories, such as truck caps, the pillar 14 and the chase rack 18 can interfere with their installation on the vehicle 10.

[0085] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary modular truck rack system 22 according to the present teachings. The system 22 is installed on / over tire cargo area 12. The system 22 comprises two side panels 24, a roof panel 26, and a rear panel 28. The two side panels 24 locate over the two opposing side walls 30 of the cargo area 12. The rear panel 28 locates over the tailgate 32 of the cargo area 12. The roof panel 26 locates over the two side panels 24, the rear panel 28, and the chase rack 18. The roof panel 26 extends around the side walls 30, tailgate 32, and front wall 34 of the cargo area 12.

[0086] Tire side, roof, and rear panels 24, 26, 28 each comprise fastener holes 36 for their mutual connection to each other.

[0087] The rear panel 28 comprises a hatch 38, which is pivotable, realtive to the rear panel 28, and the hatch includes a window 40.

[0088] The side panels 24 each have an edge 42 corresponding in shape with the angled member 20 of the chase rack 18. In this regard, the side panels 24 cooperate with the chase rack 18 to define an enclosure over the cargo area 12. It is understood that the same effect is achieved with a pillar 14 having an angled member 20, such as shown in FIG. 1.

[0089] The modular truck rack system 22 includes a flexible cover 44 that can be located over the side, roof, and rear panels 24, 26, 28. The flexible cover 44 may be advantageous where the panels 24, 26, 28 themselves and / or interfaces therebetween are not adapted for preventing fluid ingress and / or debris ingress. Although, tire present teachings contemplate that the panels 24, 26, 28 themselves and / or interfaces therebetween, in cooperation with a chase rack or pillar, may be impervious to fluid ingress and / or debris ingress.

[0090] It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application.

[0091] Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous fonns, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use. Many embodiments as well as many applications besides the examples provided herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description.

[0092] Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the invention set forth herein are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with tire full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0093] The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

[0094] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0095] Plural elements can be provided by a single integrated element. Alternatively, a single element might be divided into separate plural elements.

[0096] The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element is not intended to foreclose additional elements.

[0097] The use of “about” or “approximately” in connection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about 20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.

[0098] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower endpoint and any higher endpoint. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component, a property, or a value of a process variable such as, e.g., temperature, pressure, time, and the like is, e.g., from 1 to 90, from 20 to 80, or from 30 to 70, it is intended that intermediate range values such as, e.g., 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32, etc., are within the teachings of this specification. Likewise, individual intermediate values are also within the present teachings.

[0099] For values which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest endpoint and the highest endpoint enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

[0100] The term “consisting essentially of’ to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components, or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms“comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of the elements, ingredients, components, or steps.

[0101] While the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and / or section from another region, layer, and / or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Tlius, a first element, component, region, layer, and / or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, and / or section without departing from the teachings.

[0102] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in tire drawings. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the draw ings is turned over, elements described as “below ” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0103] REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0104] 10 Vehicle

[0105] 12 Cargo area

[0106] 14 Pillar

[0107] 16 Cab

[0108] 18 Chase rack

[0109] 20 Angled member

[0110] 22 Modular truck rack system

[0111] 24 Side panels

[0112] 26 Roof panel

[0113] 28 Rear panel

[0114] 30 Side walls

[0115] 32 Tailgate

[0116] 34 Front wall

[0117] 36 Fastener holes

[0118] 38 Hatch

[0119] 40 Window

[0120] 42 Edge[00121) 44 Flexible cover

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:Claim 1 : A modular truck rack system comprising: a chase rack or a rear pillar comprising an angled member adapted to extend from a sidewall of a cargo area of a vehicle toward a roof of a cab of tire vehicle; and one or more of the following: at least one side panel fastenable, at a first end thereof, to the angled member, where an edge of the at least one side panel corresponds in shape with the angled member of the chase rack or the rear pillar; a roof panel fastenable, at a first end thereof, to the chase rack or the rear pillar; and a rear panel fastenable to the at least one side panel and / or the roof panel.Claim 2: The modular truck rack system according to Claim 1, wherein the chase rack or the rear pillar comprise two opposing side support members, comprising the angled member; optionally wherein an aperture is formed within the two opposing side support members; and optionally wherein at least one cover panel, window, or both is fastenable to the two opposing side support members to at least partially cover the aperture.Claim 3 : The modular truck rack system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the chase rack or the rear pillar further comprise a horizontal support member extending between and connecting the two opposing side support members.Claim 4: Tire modular truck rack system according to Claim 3, wherein the roof panel is fastenable to the horizontal support member.Claim 5 : The modular truck rack system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one side panel and / or the roof panel comprises a skeletonized frame; optionally wherein the skeletonized frame of the at least one side panel and / or the roof panel accepts one or more cover panels, one or more windows, or both.Claim 6: The modular truck rack system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular truck rack system comprises a flexible cover supportable by the at least one side panel, the roof panel, or both; optionally wherein the flexible cover is fabricated from vinyl.Claim 7 : The modular truck rack system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chase rack or tire rear pillar, the at least one side panel, the roof panel, or any combination thereof comprises a continuous surface extending entirely across the perimetric edges defining the same.Claim 8: Tire modular truck rack system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one side panel and / or the roof panel comprises fasteners and / or holes for accepting fasteners adapted to connect the one or more cover panels, one or more windows, or both thereto: and wherein the fasteners include snaps, screws, bolts, pins, latches, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or any combination thereof.Claim 9: Tire modular truck rack system according to Claim 6, wherein the flexible cover fastens to the chase rack or pillar, the at least one side panel, the roof panel, tire rear panel, or any combination thereof via snaps, ties, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or any combination thereof.Claim 10: The modular truck rack system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear panel comprises a hatch.Claim 11 : Tire modular truck rack system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chase rack or rear pillar, the at least one side panel, and / or the rear panel is supportable on and / or fastenable to one or more walls of a truck bed or one or more rails fastened to one or more walls of a truck bed.Claim 12: The modular truck rack system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chase rack or rear pillar, the at least one side panel, the roof panel, the rear panel, or any combination thereof comprises one or more seals located along at least one edge thereof.Claim 13: The modular truck rack system according to Claim 12, wherein the one or more seals are adapted to locate between adjacent panels.Claim 14: Tire modular truck rack system according to Claim 12 or Claim 13, wherein the one or more seals are compressible between adjacent panels or between a panel and tire chase rack or rear pillar that is adjacent to the panel.Claim 15: The modular track rack system according to any one of Claims 12 through 14. wherein the one or more seals include an elastomeric polymer, a foamed polymer, or both.Claim 16: The modular truck rack system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one side panel and the roof panel are connected by one or more draw latches.Claim 17: Tire modular truck rack system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear panel and either or both of the at least one side panel and the roof panel are connected by one or more draw latches.Claim 18: The modular truck rack system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chase rack or rear pillar and either or both of the at least one side panel and the roof panel are connected by one or more draw latches.Claim 19: Tire modular truck rack system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one side panel and the roof panel are monolithic.Claim 20: The modular truck rack system according to Claim 17, wherein the at least one side panel, the roof panel, and the rear panel are monolithic.Claim 21 : The modular truck rack system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a front panel fastenable to the chase rack or rear pillar and adapted to locate proximate to a cab of the vehicle.

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