Stake Pocket Mount With Spring-Lock Tabs for Swappable Truck Bed Accessories

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching accessories to stake pockets in pickup truck beds often require permanent alterations to the sheet metal, are time-consuming, and limit the accessories to single uses, lacking ease of installation and interchangeability.

Innovation Solution

A stake pocket utility system with a first assembly detachably connected to the stake pocket and a second assembly that can be slidably mounted, using spring-biased locking members and tabs for secure attachment and easy removal, allowing for interchangeable multi-use accessories without altering the vehicle's structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If drilling into the sheet metal to fasten accessories, then the accessory attachment is strong and secure, but the truck bed is permanently altered and damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidpermanent damage to truck bed

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a stake pocket assembly as an intermediary component that attaches to the truck bed stake pocket without drilling. The assembly includes a stake pocket receiver that fits over the stake pocket and locking members that engage with the stake pocket structure, providing secure attachment while preserving the original truck bed surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory attachment system is divided into separate modular components: a stake pocket receiver assembly that attaches to the truck bed, and accessory components that attach to the receiver. This segmentation allows the receiver to bear the attachment load through mechanical engagement with the stake pocket, rather than requiring direct drilling into the truck bed sheet metal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If using permanent fastening methods, then the accessory is securely attached, but the installation time is increased and removal is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidinstallation and removal time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking members are designed to be movable between engaged and disengaged states. During installation, the locking members can be manually positioned to engage with the stake pocket structure. During removal, the same locking members can be manually disengaged, allowing quick detachment without permanent fastening. This dynamic design enables both strong attachment and easy removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If using single-purpose accessories, then the accessory design is simple, but the versatility and multi-use capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessory design complexityVSAvoidmulti-use capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stake pocket receiver assembly serves as a universal mounting platform that can accommodate multiple different accessory types. The receiver includes standardized attachment points and a structure that can support various accessories such as racks, shelves, tie-down systems, and storage containers, enabling one base component to fulfill multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If using clamp-on accessories that plug the stake pocket opening, then the truck bed is not damaged, but the attachment strength is limited and removal is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage to truck bedVSAvoidattachment strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The locking members feature curved or angled surfaces that match the geometry of the stake pocket structure. The locking members include angled engagement surfaces that wedge into the stake pocket opening, creating mechanical interlocking that resists both pulling and lateral forces, thereby achieving strong attachment without clamping that would damage the truck bed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables easy installation and removal of accessories, providing multiple uses without damaging the truck bed and ensuring secure attachment, facilitating quick interchangeability and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

The locking member may comprise a pair of oppositely disposed locking members, each biased outwardly towards a locked position, such as by a leaf spring.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring bias: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The tab may be spring biased outwardly towards the locked position.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring bias: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12420695B2Stake pocket utility system

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 WACH RYAN ROBERT

AI summary

A stake pocket utility system includes a first assembly detachably connected to a stake pocket, such as stake pockets formed in a wall of a bed of a pickup truck or the like. A second assembly is associated with an accessory and slidably mounted to the first assembly. The first and second assemblies are detachably connected to one another as spring-biased tabs are moved from retracted unlocked positions and into extended locked positions as the tabs align with corresponding locking apertures to detachably lock the first and second assemblies to one another.