The present disclosure relates to trucks, such as pickup trucks, with truck beds or cargo boxes, and, in particular, to an assemblable frame to be placed on the top of the cargo box for use as an accessory frame assembly and/or a structural frame assembly for a cap.
Pickup truck cargo boxes are useful for carrying accessories such as tools, extra fuel, recreational equipment, lumber, etc. A truck cap is an enclosure that attaches to the top sidewalls of the pickup truck's cargo box. The truck cap includes upward extending sidewalls, forward wall, and a door, typically positioned on the rearward end above the pickup truck's tailgate (although the door can be placed anywhere on the cap). Typically, the upward extending walls terminate at the approximate height of the pickup truck's cab section roof. This configuration enhances the pickup truck's aesthetic appearance, similar to an SUV, while at the same time expanding the volume of under-roof storage space in the truck bed or cargo box.
An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides an assemblable frame structure that can be assembled and attached to the top of a cargo box. The frame assembly can be used as an accessory frame for receiving various tool racks, boxes, brackets, hooks, etc. The frame assembly may also receive cap components such as sidewall and front window panels, a roof panel, and a door, to form a truck cap over the cargo box.
A further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a cargo box frame assembly. The cargo box frame assembly includes a longitudinally extending first side frame member having an outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the first side frame member and an inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the first side frame member; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member is located adjacent the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the first side frame member and has a width less than a width of the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member; wherein the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the first side frame member and has a width less than a width of the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member; wherein the opening of the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member is positioned on an opposite side of the first side frame member from the opening of the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member; a longitudinally extending second side frame member that includes an outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the second side frame member and an inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the second side frame member; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member is located adjacent the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the second side frame member and has a width less than a width of the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member; wherein the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the second side frame member and has a width less than a width of the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member; wherein the opening of the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member is positioned on an opposite side of the second side frame member from the opening of the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member; wherein the longitudinally extending second side frame member includes a second outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the second side frame member and a second inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the second side frame member; wherein the second outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member is located adjacent the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member; wherein the second outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the second side frame member and has a width less than a width of the second outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member; wherein the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the second side frame member and has a width less than a width of the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member; wherein the opening of the second outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member is positioned on an opposite side of the second side frame member from the opening of the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member; a first upwardly extending corner pillar that includes an outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the first upwardly extending corner pillar; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the first upwardly extending corner pillar is bounded by a first inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the first upwardly extending corner pillar and a second inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the first upwardly extending corner pillar; wherein the first inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first upwardly extending corner pillar and the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first upwardly extending corner pillar are located on an opposing side from the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the first upwardly extending corner pillar; wherein the first side frame member is spaced apart from the second side frame member and are both located adjacent the first upwardly extending corner pillar; a second upwardly extending corner pillar that includes an outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the second upwardly extending corner pillar; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second upwardly extending corner pillar is bounded by a first inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the second upwardly extending corner pillar and a second inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the second upwardly extending corner pillar; wherein the first inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second upwardly extending corner pillar and the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second upwardly extending corner pillar are located on an opposing side from the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second upwardly extending corner pillar; wherein the first side frame member and the second side frame member are both located adjacent the second upwardly extending corner pillar; a longitudinally extending third side frame member that includes an outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the third side frame member and an inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the third side frame member; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the third side frame member is located adjacent the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the third side frame member; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the third side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the third side frame member and has a width less than a width of the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the third side frame member; wherein the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the third side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the third side frame member and has a width less than a width of the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the third side frame member; wherein the opening of the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the third side frame member is positioned on an opposite side of the third side frame member from the opening of the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the third side frame member; a longitudinally extending fourth side frame member that includes an outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the fourth side frame member and an inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the fourth side frame member; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member is located adjacent the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the fourth side frame member and has a width less than a width of the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member; wherein the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the fourth side frame member and has a width less than a width of the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member; wherein the opening of the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member is positioned on an opposite side of the fourth side frame member from the opening of the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member; wherein the fourth side frame member includes a second outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the fourth side frame member and a second inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the fourth side frame member; wherein the second outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member is located adjacent the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member; wherein the second outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the fourth side frame member and has a width less than a width of the second outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member; wherein the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the fourth side frame member and has a width less than a width of the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member; wherein the opening of the second outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member is positioned on an opposite side of the fourth side frame member from the opening of the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member; a third upwardly extending corner pillar that includes an outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the third upwardly extending corner pillar; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the third upwardly extending corner pillar is bounded by a first inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the third upwardly extending corner pillar and a second inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the third upwardly extending corner pillar; wherein the first inwardly accessible accessory slot of the third upwardly extending corner pillar and the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the third upwardly extending corner pillar are located on an opposing side from the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the third upwardly extending corner pillar; wherein the third side frame member is spaced apart from the fourth side frame member and are both located adjacent the third upwardly extending corner pillar; a fourth upwardly extending corner pillar that includes an outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar is bounded by a first inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar and a second inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar; wherein the first inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar and the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar are located on an opposing side from the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar; wherein the third side frame member and the fourth side frame member are both located adjacent the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar; a longitudinally extending first end frame member that includes an outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the first end frame member; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the first end frame member is bounded by a first inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the first end frame member and a second inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the first end frame member; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the first end frame member is located on an opposing side of the first inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first end frame member and the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first end frame member; wherein the second upwardly extending corner pillar is located adjacent to the first end frame member; wherein the third upwardly extending corner pillar is located adjacent to the first end frame member opposite the second upwardly extending corner pillar; and a longitudinally extending second end frame member that includes an outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the second end frame member; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second end frame member is bounded by a first inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the second end frame member and a second inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the second end frame member; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second end frame member is located on an opposing side of the first inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second end frame member and the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second end frame member; wherein the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar is located adjacent to the second end frame member; and wherein the first upwardly extending corner pillar is located adjacent to the second end frame member opposite the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar.
In the above and other illustrative embodiments, the cargo box frame assembly may further comprise: the first side frame member and the third side frame member each have a base configured to set on top of a sidewall of the cargo box; the outwardly accessible accessory slot and the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member are located transverse to the second outwardly accessible accessory slot and the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member; the outwardly accessible accessory slot and the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member are located transverse to the second outwardly accessible accessory slot and the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member; the second upwardly extending corner pillar is connectable to the first end frame member and the third upwardly extending corner pillar is connectable to the first end frame member opposite the second upwardly extending corner pillar; the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar is connectable to the second end frame member and the first upwardly extending corner pillar is connectable to the second end frame member opposite the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar; the first side frame member and the third side frame member are each a base frame member; the second side frame member and the fourth side frame member are each a top frame member; the outwardly accessible accessory slot and the inwardly accessible accessory slot both of the first side frame member share a common wall; each of the outwardly accessible accessory slot and the inwardly accessible accessory slot from each of the first side frame member, the second side frame member, the third side frame member, and the fourth side frame member are configured to receive a respective movable block wherein the movable block disposed in the outwardly accessible accessory slot is attachable to a bracket and the movable block disposed within the inwardly accessible accessory slot is attachable to a truck cap panel member; the outwardly accessible accessory slot and the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member are located at least about parallel to the outwardly accessible accessory slot and the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member; the second side frame member and the fourth side frame member each includes a support panel extending from the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member and the fourth side frame member, respectively; and the first end frame member and the second end frame member each includes a support panel extending from the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first end frame member and the second end frame member, respectively.
Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a cargo box frame assembly. The cargo box frame assembly includes a longitudinally extending first side frame member having an outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the first side frame member and an inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the first side frame member; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member is located adjacent the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the first side frame member and has a width less than a width of the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member; wherein the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the first side frame member and has a width less than a width of the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member; wherein the opening of the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member is positioned on an opposite side of the first side frame member from the opening of the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member; a longitudinally extending second side frame member that includes an outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the second side frame member and an inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the second side frame member; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member is located adjacent the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the second side frame member and has a width less than a width of the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member; wherein the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the second side frame member and has a width less than a width of the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member; wherein the opening of the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member is positioned on an opposite side of the second side frame member from the opening of the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member; wherein the longitudinally extending second side frame member includes a second outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the second side frame member and a second inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the second side frame member; wherein the second outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member is located adjacent the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member; wherein the second outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the second side frame member and has a width less than a width of the second outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member; wherein the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the second side frame member and has a width less than a width of the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member; and wherein the opening of the second outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member is positioned on an opposite side of the second side frame member from the opening of the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second side frame member.
In the above and other illustrative embodiments, the cargo box frame assembly may further comprise: a first upwardly extending corner pillar that includes an outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the first upwardly extending corner pillar, wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the first upwardly extending corner pillar is bounded by a first inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the first upwardly extending corner pillar and a second inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the first upwardly extending corner pillar; wherein the first inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first upwardly extending corner pillar and the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first upwardly extending corner pillar are located on an opposing side from the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the first upwardly extending corner pillar; wherein the first side frame member is spaced apart from the second side frame member and are both located adjacent the first upwardly extending corner pillar, and a second upwardly extending corner pillar that includes an outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the second upwardly extending corner pillar, wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second upwardly extending corner pillar is bounded by a first inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the second upwardly extending corner pillar and a second inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the second upwardly extending corner pillar, wherein the first inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second upwardly extending corner pillar and the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the second upwardly extending corner pillar are located on an opposing side from the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the second upwardly extending corner pillar, and wherein the first side frame member and the second side frame member are both located adjacent the second upwardly extending corner pillar.
In the above and other illustrative embodiments, the cargo box frame assembly may further comprise: a longitudinally extending third side frame member that includes an outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the third side frame member and an inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the third side frame member, wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the third side frame member is located adjacent the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the third side frame member, wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the third side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the third side frame member and has a width less than a width of the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the third side frame member, wherein the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the third side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the third side frame member and has a width less than a width of the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the third side frame member, wherein the opening of the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the third side frame member is positioned on an opposite side of the third side frame member from the opening of the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the third side frame member, and a longitudinally extending fourth side frame member that includes an outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the fourth side frame member and an inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the fourth side frame member, wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member is located adjacent the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member, wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the fourth side frame member and has a width less than a width of the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member, wherein the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the fourth side frame member and has a width less than a width of the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member, wherein the opening of the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member is positioned on an opposite side of the fourth side frame member from the opening of the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member, wherein the fourth side frame member includes a second outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the fourth side frame member and a second inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the fourth side frame member, wherein the second outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member is located adjacent the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member, wherein the second outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the fourth side frame member and has a width less than a width of the second outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member, wherein the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member includes an opening that extends the longitudinal extent of the fourth side frame member and has a width less than a width of the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member, and wherein the opening of the second outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member is positioned on an opposite side of the fourth side frame member from the opening of the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth side frame member.
In the above and other illustrative embodiments, the cargo box frame assembly may further comprise: a third upwardly extending corner pillar that includes an outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the third upwardly extending corner pillar, wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the third upwardly extending corner pillar is bounded by a first inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the third upwardly extending corner pillar and a second inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the third upwardly extending corner pillar, wherein the first inwardly accessible accessory slot of the third upwardly extending corner pillar and the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the third upwardly extending corner pillar are located on an opposing side from the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the third upwardly extending corner pillar, wherein the third side frame member is spaced apart from the fourth side frame member and are both located adjacent the third upwardly extending corner pillar, and a fourth upwardly extending corner pillar that includes an outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar, wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar is bounded by a first inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar and a second inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar, wherein the first inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar and the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar are located on an opposing side from the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar, and wherein the third side frame member and the fourth side frame member are both located adjacent the fourth upwardly extending corner pillar.
In the above and other illustrative embodiments, the cargo box frame assembly may further comprise: a longitudinally extending first end frame member that includes an outwardly accessible accessory slot that extends a longitudinal extent of the first end frame member, wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the first end frame member is bounded by a first inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the first end frame member and a second inwardly accessible accessory slot that extends the longitudinal extent of the first end frame member, wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the first end frame member is located on an opposing side of the first inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first end frame member and the second inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first end frame member, wherein the second upwardly extending corner pillar is located adjacent to the first end frame member, and wherein the third upwardly extending corner pillar is located adjacent to the first end frame member opposite the second upwardly extending corner pillar.
Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a cargo box frame assembly. The cargo box frame assembly includes a longitudinally extending frame member having an outwardly accessible accessory slot and an inwardly accessible accessory slot; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of a first side frame member is located adjacent the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member; wherein the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member includes an opening; wherein the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member includes an opening, and wherein the opening of the outwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member is positioned on an opposite side of the first side frame member from the opening of the inwardly accessible accessory slot of the first side frame member.
In the above and other illustrative embodiments, the cargo box frame assembly may further comprise: the opening of the outwardly accessible accessory slot has a width less than a width of the outwardly accessible accessory slot, wherein the opening of the inwardly accessible accessory slot has a width less than a width of the inwardly accessible accessory slot, and wherein the opening of the outwardly accessible accessory slot is positioned on an opposite side of the first side frame member from the opening of the inwardly accessible accessory slot.
Additional features and advantages of the cargo box frame assembly will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed descriptions of carrying out this cargo box frame assembly as presently perceived.
The concepts described in the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity, and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates embodiments of the cargo box top frame assembly and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the cargo box top frame assembly in any manner.
The figures and descriptions provided herein may have been simplified to illustrate aspects that are relevant for a clear understanding of the herein described devices, systems, and methods, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity, other aspects that may be found in typical devices, systems, and methods. Those of ordinary skill may recognize that other elements and/or operations may be desirable and/or necessary to implement the devices, systems, and methods described herein. Because such elements and operations are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure, a discussion of such elements and operations may not be provided herein. However, the present disclosure is deemed to inherently include all such elements, variations, and modifications to the described aspects that would be known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides an assemblable frame structure that can be attached to the top of a cargo box. The frame assembly may be used as an accessory frame for receiving various tool racks, boxes, brackets, hooks, etc. The frame assembly may also receive cap components such as sidewall panels, front window panels, roof panel(s), and a door, to form a truck cap over the cargo box. The frame members may include accessory channels or tracks extending the length of the frame (or a portion of the length of the frame) and on opposite sides of the frame. Such frame members may be made from an extruded material such as a metal or polymer that forms the slots or tracks on opposing sides thereof. Tracks, slots, or channels on the outer side of the frame can be used to attach accessories to be located exterior of the pickup truck. The opposing tracks, slots, or channels facing interior of the cargo box can be used to attach truck cap components or interior accessories. It is appreciated that in some design embodiments, portions of the truck cap body can be attached to outer tracks as well.
A perspective view of a cargo box frame assembly 2 is shown in
With accessory tracks 4 and 6 at both the top and bottom exterior of the frame, respectively, there are numerous opportunities to attach any variety of accessories such as racks, toolboxes, brackets, supplies, etc. to exterior side 11 of cargo box frame assembly 2. Likewise, in interior side 13 of cargo box frame assembly 2, there are also corresponding top and bottom accessory tracks on the side frame assemblies (see, also,
An exploded perspective view of cargo box frame assembly 2, with truck cap panel assembly 22. is shown in
A perspective view of cargo box frame assembly 2, with cap panel assembly 22 installed thereon, is shown in
A cross-sectional view showing the interior front and side portions of cargo box frame assembly 2, with cap panel assembly 22 assembled to form a truck cap, is shown in
Also shown in this view is fuel can 56 secured to an accessory bracket 58, which itself is coupled to accessory tracks 18 and 16 of rails 6 and 4, respectively, via accessory blocks 60. Legs 62 and 64 of accessory bracket 58 may include feet 66 and 68, respectively, which secure to respective accessory blocks 60 to hold accessory bracket 58 and the attached gas can 56 to rail members 4 and 6 of cargo box frame assembly 2.
From interior side 13 of cargo box frame assembly 2, as illustratively shown, side window 24 can be secured to rail members 4 and 6 via attachment to blocks 70 located within accessory tracks 50 and 52, respectively. Additionally, and not shown in this view, by the same mechanism, blocks 70 can be fit into accessory track 44 of pillar 12 (see, also,
A side perspective view of a portion of cargo box frame assembly 2, with cap panel assembly 22 coupled thereto, is shown in
This view also illustratively demonstrates how foot 66 is positioned over accessory track 18 to be secured to block 60 (see, also,
A cross-sectional perspective view of the front portion of cargo box frame assembly 2 and cap panel assembly 22 is shown in
Also shown in this view is roof panel 32, supported by ledge 57 of rail 6, as well as ledge 73 of rail member 8. It is appreciated that roof panel 32 may be fastened or otherwise secured to these ledge structures. It is further appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, ledges 57 of rail members 6 and/or ledges 73 of rail members 8, may support other structures such as cross beams or other rails for purposes of attaching accessories thereon.
This view further illustrates how the rail members when assembled as cargo box frame assembly 2, have accessory tracks extended outward of cargo box frame assembly 2, such as accessory tracks 16 and 18 of rail members 4 and 6, respectively, while also having inwardly directed tracks such as accessory tracks 50 and 52. This provides significant versatility in attaching panels to interior accessible accessory tracks directed to interior side 13, while at the same time allowing accessories to attach to the exterior accessible accessory tracks on exterior side 11. It is appreciated that other accessories can also be attached to the interior accessible accessory tracks as desired by the operator.
Perspective side views of cargo box frame assembly 2, with cap panels attached thereto forming cap panel assembly 22, are shown in
End profile views of the various frame members used to construct cargo box frame assembly 2 are shown in
End profile views of base rail 4 and top side rail 6 are shown in
Similarly, top rail member 6 includes adjacent outwardly and inwardly accessible accessory tracks 18 and 52, respectively. In addition, a corner member 84 attaches those accessory tracks with accessory tracks 54 and 56 along with ledge 57. Both outwardly accessible accessory tracks 18 and 54 included openings 86 and 88, respectively, whereas inwardly accessible accessory tracks 52 and 56 included openings 90 and 92, respectively. Inwardly accessible accessory tracks 52 and 56, as previously demonstrated and appreciated, can receive blocks or other like structures to secure to truck cap panels, such as side window panel section 24 or other accessories, for access interior of the cargo box. Exterior accessible accessory tracks 18 and 54 can receive blocks or other attachment structures to secure accessories or brackets thereon as desired by the operator. Ledge 57, extending from accessory track 56, as demonstrated previously, supports roof panel 32. It is further appreciated that ledge 57 may be employed for supporting other structures such as cross beams or rails that can hold other accessories.
An isolated end profile view of base rail member 4 is shown in
An isolated end profile view of top rail member 6 is shown in
An end view of end rail member 8 is shown in
An end profile view of pillar 12 is shown in
In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may not be included or may be combined with other features. It should also be appreciated that any subject matter disclosed in this non-provisional patent application that may differ from the priority application, the disclosure from this non-provisional patent application controls.
The present application relates to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent application, Ser. No. 63/546,604, filed on Oct. 31, 2023, entitled “Modular Truck Cap.” The subject matter disclosed in that Provisional application is hereby expressly incorporated into the past Application.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63546604 | Oct 2023 | US |