Patent Application
20240336187
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and/or corresponding method of use in at least the aftermarket, automotive accessories industry. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to brackets and methods for installing modular, lightweight load-carrying panels and racks on automobiles, which, for example, can allow for the more secure mounting of cargo to the sidewall(s) of a truck bed.
The background description provided herein gives context for the present disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art.
Pickups are historically well suited for towing and hauling. The cargo bed can vary in size according to whether the vehicle is optimized for cargo utility or passenger comfort. Most have fixed side walls and a hinged tailgate. Cargo beds are normally found in two styles: step-side or fleet-side. A step-side bed has fenders which extend on the outside of the cargo area. A fleet-side bed has wheel-wells inside the bed. The exact placement of the wheel well thus vastly vary depending on the make and model of the pickup.
Construction and landscaping crews rely heavily on the use of pickups for everyday work. Pickups are the preferred vehicle because the separation of the bed from the crew can help keep dirt and other unwanted debris from entering the cab of the vehicle. Many of these pickup have beds that are full of gear at all times. As a result, the pickup bed looks like a jumbled mess. This is not usually the fault of the crew, as crews are unfathomably busy during the summer months.
In recent history, pickups have been used as light improvised fighting vehicles in military applications. Pickups are well-suited for such applications because of their versality, four wheel drive, and open-backs. The open-back in particular allows for the mounting of a machine gun, anti-aircraft gun, rotary cannon, anti-tank weapon, anti-tank gun, ATGM, mortar, multiple rocket launcher, recoilless rifle or other support weapon, somewhat like a light military gun truck or potentially even a self-propelled gun. In such situations, the pickup is colloquially referred to as a “technical”. In more professional terms, the pickup is referred to as a non-standard tactical vehicle (“NSTV”).
Because the United States Department of Army (“the U.S. Army”) has derived technological advances in military applications with inspiration from the automobile industry, it stands to reason that the automobile industry can advance technology by taking inspiration from military technology and, for example, applying said technology to advance the construction and landscaping industries. One such technology that has not be thoroughly explored is modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (“MOLLE”) technology, first patented by the U.S. Army by way of U.S. Pat. No. 5,724,707. Such technology entered the public domain in 2016 and is thus ripe for improvement by private industry.
Modular (“MOLLE”) is an item that replaced the aging all-purpose, lightweight, individual carrying equipment (“ALICE”) pack. United States Marines report the modular load carriage system is more comfortable and durable. Specifically, MOLLE technology improved over ALICE by including a more robust frame. Instead of the tubular aluminum used with the ALICE, a new anatomically-contoured frame made with plastic originally used in automobile bumpers has dramatically increased durability, functioning in temperatures ranging from negative forty (−40) to one hundred twenty (120) degrees Fahrenheit (° F.). ALICE frames were known to break in airborne operations. This is because ALICE frames were known to crack after a single drop at thirty three feet per second (33 ft/s). MOLLE frames are capable of withstanding the same abuse fivefold without taking any damage.
Components of the MOLLE system developed by the United States Army are described as follows.
MOLLE advanced load-carrying abilities by introducing a new suspension system. Heavily-padded shoulder straps and a waist belt are adjustable for varying torso lengths, eliminating the two sizes of ALICE. The U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, located at Natick, assisted with biomechanical studies to find the most efficient way to carry loads and investigated the interaction between different load-carriage equipment and human performance. More weight is distributed at the shoulders and hips, and during a prolonged road march, soldiers can shift the weight to where it feels more comfortable.
The fighting load carrier (“FLC”) of MOLLE replaced the load bearing equipment (“LBE”) web belt and suspenders of ALICE, which better distributed weight across soldiers' torsos and significantly increased the amount of ammunition soldiers could carry. The MOLLE vest has no metal clips or hooks that can be awkward and dig into the skin, and has an H-harness in back to minimize heat buildup. The MOLLE vest is adjustable to all sizes, and because the vest sits high, soldiers can fasten the MOLLE frame waist belt underneath the FLC to distribute some of the load to the hips. Three flap pockets on the FLC each hold two 30-round magazines, two grenade pockets, and two canteen pouches.
The tactical assault panel (“TAP”) later replaced the FLC The TAP is a bib-like chest rig that can be used alone or mounted on the improved outer tactical vest or solider plate carrier system. The TAP is covered with pouch attachment ladder system (“PALS”) webbing and storage for up to eight rifle magazines (six 5.56 magazines+two 7.62 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (“NATO”) magazines or eight 5.56 magazines).
Based on user feedback on the original system, the MOLLE requirements were modified to eliminate the need for a quick-release frame that integrates into the load-bearing vest. Spare buckles come with each MOLLE and are simple to replace.
The U.S. Army MOLLE also includes a rucksack with a front pocket to hold a claymore antipersonnel mine. A rucksack having two thousand cubic inches (2000 in3) is referred to as an assault pack; a rucksack having three thousand cubic inches (3000 in3) is referred to as a medium rucksack, is designed to be worn over body armor, supports loads up to sixty pounds (60 lbs), and features a large main compartment with internal dividers for items like the hydration system, 60 mm mortar rounds, along with a harness for ASIP radios; and a rucksack having four thousand cubic inches (4000 in3) features a large main compartment with an internal divider between the upper and lower half for organizing loads, and includes some ALICE technology on the side to support legacy items such as the 2 quart canteen pouch. It is highly adjustable for comfort and load distribution. Two smaller compartments are located outside the main compartment. All packs are adorned in PALS webbing. Pouches of various utility that can be attached wherever PALS webbing exists. One type is a sustainment pouch. Other types of MOLLE pouches are commonly used to carry ammunition, gas masks, batons, flares, grenades, handcuffs and pepper spray, and custom pouches can include PALS-compatible pistol holders, hydration pouches and utility pouches. These pouches are normally secured through the use of straps, ALICE clips or speed clips. Inside the rucksack is a bandolier with a capacity for six (6) thirty (30) round magazines and a removable tactical radio pocket. A detachable sustainment pouch on each side is big enough to hold a ready to eat meal with room to spare. Underneath the rucksack, a sleeping bag compartment was designed to hold the Army's modular sleeping bag. Every U.S. Army MOLLE comes with a tube-delivered water pouch for on-the-move hydration to supplement the one-quart canteen.
All of the larger pouches of MOLLE, such as the outside rucksack pouches, have D-rings for carrying with a sling and use plastic see-through identification windows so soldiers don't have to marker or tape their name onto the MOLLE's camouflaged, urethane-coated nylon fabric. Each system comes with two 6-foot lashing straps for carrying large objects, such as a mortar plate or five-gallon containers. If one of the plastic buckles breaks, a repair kit carries a bag of spares for simple replacement.
The nylon mesh vest has removable pockets to accommodate different carrying needs and is one of the main components of the MOLLE system. Rifleman, grenadier, pistol, squad assault weapon gunner, and medic configurations of the fighting load carrier are examples of the versatility of the MOLLE.
Thus, there exists a need to advance the state of the art by implementing a secure, lightweight modular rack capable of carrying loads caused by cargo and other equipment for automobile applications, similar to how the military advanced the state of the art with respect to how soldiers carry gear on foot.
The following objects, features, advantages, aspects, and/or embodiments, are not exhaustive and do not limit the overall disclosure. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage. Any of the objects, features, advantages, aspects, and/or embodiments disclosed herein can be integrated with one another, either in full or in part.
It is a primary object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to improve on or overcome the deficiencies in the art.
It is a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide custom engineered rack systems that fit directly to each make and model using existing OEM mounting points in the bed.
It is still yet a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to organize, easily access, and secure gear.
It is still yet a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to utilize said modular lightweight racks with (1) other like modular lightweight racks, (2) other PALS components, (3) universal vehicle mounts for rifles and shotguns, and/or (4) other gear strapping systems to hold cargo in place on the roughest roads.
The modular, lightweight load-carrying panels and racks disclosed herein can be used in a wide variety of applications. For example, the modular, lightweight load-carrying panels and racks can be used for secure transportation, tactical applications, and/or to enhance the functional capabilities of the sidewall(s) of the truck bed.
It is preferred the apparatus be safe, cost effective, and durable. For example, the modular, lightweight load-carrying panels and racks can be adapted to resist thermal transfer and electric conductivity. Furthermore, the modular, lightweight load-carrying panels and racks can be adapted so as to more easily prevent failure (e.g., cracking, crumbling, shearing, creeping) due to being exposed to excessive and/or prolonged forces (e.g., tensile, compressive, and/or balanced forces).
At least one embodiment disclosed herein comprises a distinct aesthetic appearance. Ornamental aspects included in such an embodiment can help capture a consumer's attention and/or identify a source of origin of a product being sold. Said ornamental aspects will not impede functionality of the present invention. Ornamental aspects of the embodiments provided herein can be specifically selected such that they best complement the make, model, year, and/or color of the vehicle. Such makes and models can, in non-limiting examples, comprise: Jeep Gladiator, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Ford Ranger, Ford F-150, Ford Super Duty, Nissan Frontier, Nissan Titan, Chevrolet Colorado, Chevrolet Silverado Light Duty (“LD”), Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty (“HD”), Dodge Ram LD, and Dodge Ram HD.
Methods can be practiced which facilitate use, manufacture, assembly, maintenance, and repair of the modular, lightweight load-carrying panels and racks which accomplish some or all of the previously stated objectives.
The modular, lightweight load-carrying panels and racks described herein can be incorporated into systems or kits which accomplish some or all of the previously stated objectives.
According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a load carrying panel for mounting objects to, said load carrying panel comprises a mounting panel comprising mounting slits, an angled panel attached to the mounting panel via a connecting portion, a plurality of apertures disposed on the angled panel such that a plurality of intervals and a median are disposed between the plurality of apertures, and a top portion.
According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the load carrying panel further comprises a fillet between the top portion and the angled panel.
According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the load carrying panel further comprises two rows of the plurality of apertures.
According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the load carrying panel further comprises three rows of the plurality of apertures.
According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the load carrying panel forms an angle between the angled panel and the mounting panel is an acute angle. The acute angle can be between forty-five degrees and seventy-five degrees; the acute angle preferably being between fifty degrees and seventy degrees; the acute angle more preferably being between fifty-five and sixty-five degrees; and the acute angle most preferably being approximately sixty degrees.
According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the load carrying panel the plurality of apertures includes rectangular-shaped or stadium-shaped apertures.
According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the load carrying panel the mounting slits extend along the mounting panel from the connecting portion to a distance of not less than 0.2 inches from an end of the mounting panel.
According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the load carrying panel the mounting slits comprises six mounting slits.
According to some other aspects of the present disclosure, a system for a modular load carrying panel assembly that comprises a load carrying panel which comprises a mounting panel comprising mounting slits, an angled panel attached to the mounting panel via a connecting portion, a PALS grid disposed on the angled panel; and a railing which comprises a pair of first mounting apertures that extend through the railing from a top of the railing to a bottom of the railing, a pair of T-shaped channels positioned on a top of the railing, and a channel extending through the railing from a first distal end to a second distal end, wherein the channel comprises a T-shaped channel.
According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the system further comprises second mounting apertures that extend into both a first a side of the railing and a second side of the railing.
According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the system further comprises a T-shaped channel is positioned on the bottom of the railing.
According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the channel comprising a T-shaped channel is disposed in a center of the railing on the bottom, the railing further comprising a pair of through-channels extending through the railing from the first distal end to the second distal end.
According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the second mounting apertures extend into the pair of through-channels.
According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the system further comprises a top portion comprising a fillet on the load carrying panel.
According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, an angle formed between the angled panel and the mounting panel is an acute angle. The acute angle can be between forty-five degrees and seventy-five degrees; the acute angle preferably being between fifty degrees and seventy degrees; the acute angle more preferably being between fifty-five and sixty-five degrees; and the acute angle most preferably being approximately sixty degrees.
According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the load carrying panel is fixedly attached to the railing via screws or nuts and bolts.
According to yet additional aspects of the present disclosure, a method for attaching any of the previously explained system to a vehicle, that comprises connecting the mounting panel to the railing via screws or nuts and bolts through the mounting slits and the pair of T-shaped channels, fastening the modular load carrying assembly to a vehicle via the channel.
According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the modular load carrying assembly is fastened to a top of the sidewalls of the vehicle.
According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the modular load carrying assembly is fastened to a bed of the vehicle.
According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the modular load carrying assembly is fastened to an interior of the sidewalls of the vehicle, wherein a plurality of modular load carrying assemblies are fastened to the interior of the sidewalls of the vehicle so as to create shelving with the system.
These and/or other objects, features, advantages, aspects, and/or embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reviewing the following brief and detailed descriptions of the drawings. Furthermore, the present disclosure encompasses aspects and/or embodiments not expressly disclosed but which can be understood from a reading of the present disclosure, including at least: (a) combinations of disclosed aspects and/or embodiments and/or (b) reasonable modifications not shown or described.
Several embodiments in which the present invention can be practiced are illustrated and described in detail, wherein like reference characters represent like components throughout the several views. The drawings are presented for exemplary purposes and may not be to scale unless otherwise indicated.
An artisan of ordinary skill in the art need not view, within isolated figure(s), the near infinite number of distinct permutations of features described in the following detailed description to facilitate an understanding of the present invention.
The present disclosure is not to be limited to that described herein. Mechanical, electrical, chemical, procedural, and/or other changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. No features shown or described are essential to permit basic operation of the present invention unless otherwise indicated.
Referring now to the figures,
Just in front of the pickup truck bed 102, is the cabin or cab 101. The cab 101 is the portion of the pickup 100 that carries the driver (in the United States, left-side) of the pickup and any passengers (in the United States: right-side). Pickup cabs 101 can come in single cab (one full size row of seating), extended cab (two rows of seating, front row is full size, back row is not full size), and crew cab (two full size rows of seating) configurations. The cab 101 typically comprises a shell and is enclosed by a roof and side doors (anywhere from 2 to 4 doors), windows on all 4 sides, and typical vehicle interior parts. The vehicle interior parts can include seats, a dashboard, climate controls, driving controls (steering wheel, shifter, pedals, etc.), and the like.
The bed 102 of the pickup 100 typically includes a hauling surface, open-back, and/or box for hauling cargo 112. The bed 102 can be a standard pickup box, flatbed, or utility bed. The floor of the bed 102 is typically flat. The floor extends from a cab end of the bed 102 to a tailgate end of the bed 102 and from a passenger-side sidewall 105 to the driver-side sidewall 105. Most pickup beds 102 have solid round loops for tie down points in the corners to attach rope or ratchet straps to. This allows drivers to tie down and secure some types of cargo 112 being hauled by the pickup 100. The inside the bed 102 often comes from the factory with just a painted surface. When the bed gets used, this paint wears and so many beds 102 will have liner added to them. A bed liner protects the bed from being dinged or scratched up and keeps it looking aesthetically pleasing. Sometimes, the beds 102 will even include lockable storage boxes or other like cargo storing equipment on one or more sides of the bed 102. 10104| To secure the tailgate 103 to the bed 102, some mechanical attachment exists therebetween. Additionally, a cable 104 can be employed to limit tailgate travel. The tailgate cable 104 can comprise a flexible metal. Additionally, one or more latch rods can be employed near the rear bumper under the back of the pickup bed 102 to control and/or resist a rate of lowering the tailgate 103. The latch rod can comprise a tailgate lock, curved bar, hydraulic strut, or the like. Latch rod(s) are typically attached to the pickup frame or chassis near the rear end of the sidewalls 105, though could also be permanently attached to the tailgate 103. When the tailgate 103 is closed, latch rod(s) latch shut and can be locked to keep the bed 102 secure. The front wall next to the cab is often called a bulkhead.
The sidewalls 105 confine the space of the pickup bed 102. The top of the sidewalls 105 have reinforced railing known as bed rails. The bed rails can support weight to install many different accessories like caps & covers to close in the bed 102, racks for hauling larger & longer items, and the like. The sidewalls 105 help contain the cargo 112 within so the cargo 112 does not fall off onto the road during transport.
All pickup beds 102, regardless of the type, will contain a set of tail lights 106 at the rear corners of the sidewalls 105. Each of these lights 106 will contain a brake light, turn signals or blinkers, reverse lights, and tail lights that turn on when the parking lights or headlights are turned on.
Conspicuity for the rear of a vehicle is provided by the tail lights 106. These are required to produce only red light and to be wired such that they are lit whenever the front position lamps are lit, including when the headlamps are on. Tail lights 106 may be combined with the vehicle's other stop lights and/or be separate from them. In combined-function installations, the tail lights 106 produce brighter red light for the stop lamp function and dimmer red light for the rear position lamp function. Regulations worldwide typically stipulate minimum intensity ratios between the bright (stop) and dim (rear position) modes, so that a vehicle displaying rear position lamps will not be mistakenly interpreted as showing stop lamps, and vice versa.
The bulkhead includes back glass 107. The back glass 107 also called rear window glass, rear windshield, or rear glass, is the piece of glass opposite the windshield in the pickup 100. Back glass 106 can be made from tempered glass, also known as safety glass, which when broken will shatter into small, round pieces. This can be different from a front windshield, which is made of laminated glass, glass which consists of two pieces of glass, with vinyl therebetween.
There will also be a set of side view mirrors 108 attached to the front doors. Many pickup trucks 100 will be equipped with over-sized towing mirrors to be able to see around the wide trailers they often tow.
Cargo beds 102 are normally found in two styles: step-side or fleet-side. A step-side bed has fenders which extend on the outside of the cargo area. A fleet-side bed has wheel-wells 109A inside the bed 102, under the wheels 109B that support the pickup 100 are located. The wheel 109B, as a non-limiting example, can comprise an off-road tire and/or all-terrain tires. Off-road tires employ deep tread to provide more traction on unpaved surfaces such as loose dirt, mud, sand, or gravel. Compared to ice or snow tires, off-road tires lack studs but contain deeper and wider grooves meant to help the tread sink into mud or gravel surfaces.
Many embodiments of the aftermarket, modular, lightweight panels 110 and racks are described herein. The panels 110, in connection with mounting brackets 111, are a means through which cargo 112 can be stored, secured, and/or organized within the truck bed 102 during transport. The cargo 112 can include weaponry, a spare battery, a tank for holding liquids, machinery, tools, equipment for construction or landscaping, medical gear, or any other object wished to be transported by the driver and/or passengers of the pickup 100.
The panels 110, in particular are laser cut with laser optics and computer numerical control (“CNC cut”). The panels 110 are preferably cut from heavy gauge 1/10 inch thick 6000 series aluminum, such that the panels 110 are lightweight and substantially rustproof. In some embodiments, the panels 110 are designed to carry a maximum distributed load of 200 lbs, and are thus not meant to be used as a tie down point for objects having greater weight than this. During use, the panels 110 are recessed completely from a top edge of the sidewalls 105, and are thus compatible with bed cover. Moreover, the panels 110 typically include a black mini-texture powder coat finish, but can also be sprayed with bed liners and/or be adapted so as not to damage existing bed liners. The panels 110 can be provided separately or in groups to allow for maximum customization. The panels 110 can include driver-side, passenger-side, and cab-side (front) panels. Each panel of the panels 110 is custom fit designs engineered for every make and model and makes for the perfect addition for over-landing builds. The panels 110 can also be configured to provide clearance for factory tie downs and access to bedside outlets and lighting. The panels 110 allow for keeping gear organized, easily accessible, and secure while maximizing bed space. The panels 110 can be complemented with other modular lightweight load-carrying panels, pouch attachment ladder systems, aftermarket clamps and fasteners 114, and many other gear strapping systems 113 that hold cargo 112 in place on the roughest roads. The fasteners 114 can comprise clamps, ties, cables, screws, nuts, bolts, pins, rivets, staples, washers, grommets, latches (including pawls), ratchets, clasps, flanges, adhesives, welds, or any combination thereof may be used to facilitate fastening.
The Putco truck bed Molle panels have an easy, no-drill installation that uses the existing OEM mounting points in the existing bed 102. The panels provide clearance for factory tie downs and access to bedside outlets and lighting, so that the driver is not giving up any functionality. To install and use the panels 110, the installation, mounting, and use steps in
In some embodiments, to mount 201 the brackets 111 to the truck bed 102, the installer starts by loosely assemble the brackets 111 by combining a bolt 111A, tabbed washer 111B, and nut plate 111C. The bolt 111A can be put through the bracket 111 fist, then the tabbed washer 111B, and finally the nut plate 111C, as shown in
Specific examples 114A-D of said fasteners 114 are shown by way of
The embodiment 114A of
In the embodiment 114B of
In
In
Detailed aspects of the panels 110 and brackets 111 can be seen throughout the rest of the figures, with each numeric portion of the alphanumeric string denoting a distinct make and model of the vehicle.
In greater particularity,
Regarding a method of installation for the panels 400A, 400B, 400C of this particular embodiment, exemplary and enumerated installation instructions follow:
Regarding a method of installation for the panels 500A, 500B, 500C of this particular embodiment, exemplary and enumerated installation instructions follow:
Regarding a method of installation for the panels 600A, 600B, 600C of this particular embodiment, exemplary and enumerated installation instructions follow:
Regarding a method of installation for the panels 700A, 700B, 700C of this particular embodiment, exemplary and enumerated installation instructions follow:
Regarding a method of installation for the panels 800A, 800B, 800C of this particular embodiment, exemplary and enumerated installation instructions follow:
Regarding a method of installation for the panels 900A, 900B, 900C of this particular embodiment, exemplary and enumerated installation instructions follow:
In greater particularity,
Regarding a method of installation for the panels 1000A, 1000B, 1000C of this particular embodiment, exemplary and enumerated installation instructions follow:
Regarding a method of installation for the panels 1100A, 1110B, 1110C of this particular embodiment, exemplary and enumerated installation instructions follow:
Regarding a method of installation for the panels 1200A, 1200B, 1200C of this particular embodiment, exemplary and enumerated installation instructions follow:
Similar panels can be used to attach to the tailgate 103 of the vehicle, as exemplified by the modular, lightweight load-carrying panel systems 1300, 1400 of
There are generally two ways in which a tailgate panel can be attached to the tailgate 103.
The second method, shown in
The second method, shown in
It is to be appreciated from viewing the panels 1810-3810 that each individual panel has one or more of the features described with reference to the panels described with reference to
The load carrying panel 4100 can be placed on top of the railing 4200. The load carrying panel 4100 may be secured or fastened to the railing 4200 via the mounting slots 4121 in combination with the channels 4230. By way of example and not of limitation, this may be accomplished by inserting a nut with the same width (face-to-face, not corner-to-corner) as a width of one of the channels 4230 into the chosen channel 4230 and inserting a screw through one of the mounting slots 4121 to connect with the nut and thus fasten the load carrying panel 4100 to the railing 4200. Alternatively, the railing may have pre-existing threaded-holes that the load carrying panel 4100 may be attached to. Alternatively, the load carrying panel 4100 may be welded to the railing 4200. As shown in
The load carrying panel 4100 includes the angled panel 4110 and the mounting panel 4120, which are connected via the connecting portion 4115. On the angled panel 4110 there are a plurality of apertures 4111. The apertures 4111 can resemble the PALS grid 404, 504, 604, 704, 804, 904, 1004, 1104, 1204 of previously explained embodiments. As shown the apertures 4111 can be equally spaced, however this is not limiting as they can be irregularly spaced as well. As shown, the apertures 4111 are each substantially square, rectangular, or stadium in shape, as this allows for an increased number of apertures 4111 along a length of the angled panel 4110 that can be accessed for mounting objects where it may best suit a user, while simultaneously providing structural soundness to the non-aperture portions of the angled panel 4110.
The angled panel 4110 of the load carrying panel 4100 further includes the top portion 4112, the intervals 4113, and the median 4114. The top portion 4112 is designed to be have a rounded corner or bend, a fillet, and thus be less abrasive to the touch should a person or object lean against the top portion, while also providing material to tie around and mount to. The top portion 4112 can extend to a top of the apertures 4111. The intervals 4113 may comprise equally-spaced rectangles or other suitable shape for tying or grasping to that are interspersed between the apertures 4111. The median 4114 stretches across the length of the angled panel 4110 and separates rows of apertures 4111. It is contemplated that there may exist a plurality of medians 4114 such that there are more than two rows of apertures 4111. For example, there may exist two medians 4114 and three total rows of apertures 4111. Or, there may exist three medians 4114 and four total rows of apertures 4111. As such, the height of the angled panel 4110 is not limited to just that shown, although the preferred embodiment keeps the angled panel 4110 to a height of what would keep the angled panel 4110 from extending much further than a side of the railing 4200 that is opposite a side that the connecting portion 4115 resides. As such, the number of rows of apertures 4111 is limited to a height of the angled panel 4110 without decreasing a height of the rows of apertures 4111. Although as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the height of the rows of apertures 4111 can be decreased, thus increasing a number of rows of apertures 4111 and medians 4112 on the angled panel 4110.
Thus, in a sense the angled panel 4110 could be referred to as a hypotenuse, wherein the connecting portion 4115 comprises an acute angle, and the mounting panel 4120 comprises another side of the imaginative triangle, wherein an imaginative plane, that is perpendicular to a side of the mounting panel 4120 opposite a side of the mounting panel 4120 that includes the connecting portion 4115, would substantially be the stopping point of and extending end of the angled panel 4110 (hypotenuse). As understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, this does not mean that the angled panel 4100 needs to extend all the way to the imaginative plane (and thus not form a complete triangle, and this does not mean that the angled panel 4110 cannot extend past the imaginative plane. As further understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the angle formed by the angled panel 4110 in relation to the mounting panel 4120 need not be limited to the angle shown, rather the angle can be varied, while remaining acute, in manufacturing to accommodate varying heights of the angled panel 4100 depending on how many rows of apertures 4111 are desired.
As stated, the load carrying panel 4100 can attach to the railing 4200. The railing can be connected to a surface on a vehicle via the first mounting apertures 4210, the second mounting apertures 4220, or the channels 4230. This can be accomplished via fastening methods known by those of ordinary skill in the art. By way of example and not of limitation, the first mounting apertures 4210 can bolt or screw directly down to and on top of a surface on a vehicle if using a bolt or screw and lining up the first mounting apertures 4210 with holes on the surface of the vehicle. These holes can be pre-existing holes or holes made on the vehicle to accommodate attaching the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000. As understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, manufacturers can create the railing 4200 such that the first mounting apertures 4210 line up with pre-existing holes on a vehicle. The width apart of the first mounting apertures 4210 from one another on the railing 4200 is not limited to a specific length, nor is the number of first mounting apertures 4210 limiting. Rather, there may be three, four, or more first mounting apertures 4210 to screw or bolt down to a surface.
Further by way of example and not of limitation, the second mounting apertures 4220 can bolt or screw directly down to and on a side of a surface on a vehicle if using a bolt or screw and lining up the second mounting apertures 4220 with holes on the surface of the vehicle. These holes can be pre-existing holes or holes made on the vehicle to accommodate attaching the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000. As understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, manufacturers can create the railing 4200 such that the second mounting apertures 4220 line up with pre-existing holes on a vehicle. The width apart of the second mounting apertures 4220 from one another on the railing 4200 is not limited to a specific length, nor is the number of second mounting apertures 4220 limiting. Rather than the two shown on a given side of the railing 4200, there may be three, four, or more second mounting apertures 4220 to screw or bolt to a substantially vertical surface.
Further, by way of example and not of limitation, the channels 4230 can slidingly engage rails or otherwise (such as multiple hex-headed bolts straightly aligned that are not fully screwed into their surface, such that the hex-head creates an overhang above the surface that the threaded portion of the bolt is threaded into) so as to be fastened to a surface on a vehicle. As explained, the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000, the load carrying panel 4100 can be secured to the railing 4200. As such, the railing 4200 can be secured to the sidewall 105, anywhere in the bed 102, at a bottom of the cab 101, on the panel 110, on the tailgate 103, to name a few places as non-limiting examples, thus creating a spot to mount things to where there otherwise would not have existed a place to mount things to. Alternatively, the load carrying panel 4100 can be directly secured to the sidewall 105, anywhere in the bed 102, at a bottom and back of the cab 101, on the panel 110, on the tailgate 103, to name a few places as non-limiting examples thus bypassing the connection to the railing 4200. This can be accomplished by aligning the mounting slots 4121 to holes or otherwise on a vehicle, and fastening the load carrying panel 4100 to the vehicle via screws, bolts, etc. to those holes.
In particular, the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000 is designed to be capable of connecting to a variety of places, thus providing flexibility and versatility in setting up a securing-mount for other objects. Said securing-mount specifically comprising the apertures 4111, the intervals 4113, and the median 4114 disposed within the load carrying panel 4100, in which bungee cords, straps, clamps, rope, etc. can enter the apertures 4111, tic, loop around, and/or clamp to the intervals 4113 and/or the median 4114, and thus secure an object to or near the load carrying panel 4100.
To install the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000 a user first decides on a location of a vehicle to place the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000. The user may desire to have increased height on a truck bed accessible for mounting and storing objects to be transported. The user may then decide to locate the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000 atop the sidewall 105 shown in
Should there exist a portion atop the sidewall 105 for the railing 4200 to slidingly engage, this would be preferable for more even distribution of forces exerted between the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000 and the vehicle. Further, should the user attach the railing 4200 to the vehicle, it is understood that the load carrying panel 4100 would be attached to the railing 4200 either before or after attachment of the railing 4200 to the vehicle. As explained above, the load carrying panel 4100 may be secured or fastened to the railing 4200 via the mounting slots 4121 in combination with the channels 4230. Should the user need to adjust a location of the load carrying panel 4100 atop the railing 4200 after the railing is attached to the vehicle, this can be easily done via loosening the screws or bolts inserted between the mounting slots 4121 and the channels 4230 and slidingly the load carrying panel 4100 accordingly in either of a longitudinal or lateral direction along the railing 4200. Should the user be absolutely certain that no adjustment of the load carrying panel 4100 in relation to the railing 4200 would ever be needed, the load carrying panel 4100 can be permanently attached to the railing 4200 via welding, brazing, or other permanent attachment methods understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.
It is understood that the railing 4200 shown in
To use the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000, after installation the user simply has access to more mounting locations for a more organized and more-space creating transport of objects in and/or on vehicles. As explained with previous embodiments that use a PALS grid, and shown in previous embodiments such as that of
It is preferred that the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000 face an interior of the vehicle (meaning a side of the load carrying panel 4100 shown in
As understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000 can be installed within the bed 102 should that be the user's preference. Whether that be on the bed 102 floor or on an interior of the sidewall 105 such as the PALS grids shown in
Alternatively, the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000 could be installed within the sidewalls 105 such that the side shown in
As understood by those of ordinary skilled in the art and as described herein, the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000 can be installed in a plurality of places on a vehicle and used according to the user's desire for increased storage space, increased mounting locations, and/or increased organization. Should the user desire to install the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000 directly onto the bed 102, this could be preferable for users who drive ATV's or motorcycles into the bed 102 such that the ATV could be driven straight into the bed and secured at a front end of the bed 102 similar to how vehicles in a parking lot drive up to the concrete slabs in a parking spot that act as parking blocks or wheel stops, however in this instance the ATV's wheel could be mounted and secured to the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000 through the apertures 4111.
Further as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, it may be preferable to install the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000 atop the tailgate 103. In this regard, the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000 would act as a heightened tailgate 103 such that objects stored in the bed 102 would have increased stability from falling out the back, but further the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000 if installed such that the load carrying panel 4100 is facing inward (the side shown in
Further, it has been implied that the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000 consist of a metallic material such that it could be welded together as discussed above. However, as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, no welding is necessary and the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000 can comprise any material that is strong, sturdy, and lightweight. Non-limiting examples include carbon fibers, thermoplastics (polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polycarbonates, etc.), metals (aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or steel alloys, etc.), Kevlar, and so on.
Benefits of the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000 include the ability to increase storing capacity of a vehicle by raising a height of sides said vehicle with installation of the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000, not only by allowing more objects to be contained within for example the bed 102 of a truck, but also allowing for objects to potentially be stored outside the vehicle. Further, more organization is possible with the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000. Greater amounts of mounting places in addition to additional storage space allows for a neater and cleanlier transportation of objects within a vehicle. Having the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000 be angled by the connecting portion 4115 between the angled panel 4110 and the mounting panel 4120 of the load carrying panel 4110 allows for greater versatility in the transportation of objects and the storing thereof. A user is not limited to mounting objects to an interior of the sidewalls 105 of the truck bed 102. Rather, the user can choose where additional mounting apertures be located. Whether that be atop the sidewalls 105 interior to the sidewalls 105, creating shelving withing the sidewalls 105, atop the tailgate 103, in a middle or end of the bed 102, using the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000 allows for this flexibility and versatility in mounting various objects that can be transported by a vehicle. In addition to the railing 4200 being capable of slidingly engaging tracks that may exist on a vehicle, the channels 4230 provide lighter weight to the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000. This allows for case of installation as well as reducing any burdensome weight that may be added to the vehicle of the user.
As shown, the channels 4230 may include a center T-shaped channel 4230A, a pair of through-channels 4230B on either side of the center T-shaped channel 4230A, and a pair of T-shaped channels 4230C opposite the center T-shaped channel 4230A. The channels 4230 may extend entirely through the railing 4200 as shown in
As shown in
The specific dimensions are not limiting on the modular load carrying panel assembly 4000 as now given, these dimensions are given simply to give context to the Figures shown. A width of the railing 4200 can be 2.14 inches while the length of the railing 4200 can be 63 inches. A height of the railing 4200 can be 0.812 inches. A height of the channels can be between 0.3 to 0.4 inches. A width of the channels can be between 0.25 to 0.7 inches. An angle formed between the mounting panel 4120 and the angled panel 4110 can be 60-degrees. A width of the mounting panel 4120 can be 2 inches. A length of the mounting panel 4120 and the angled panel 4110 can be 57 inches. A height of the angled panel 4110 can be 4.2 inches. A width of the apertures 4111 can be 1.575 inches. A height of the apertures 4111 can be 1 inch. A distance between the first mounting apertures 4210 can be 58.9 inches. Further, an angle between the angled panel 4110 and the top portion 4112 can be 90-degrees. Further, a distance between an end of the mounting slits 4121 and an end of the width of the mounting panel 4120 can be as little as 0.2 inches.
From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention accomplishes at least all of the stated objectives.
The following table of reference characters and descriptors are not exhaustive, nor limiting, and include reasonable equivalents. If possible, elements identified by a reference character below and/or those elements which are near ubiquitous within the art can replace or supplement any element identified by another reference character.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used above have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the present invention pertain.
The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include both singular and plural referents.
The term “or” is synonymous with “and/or” and means any one member or combination of members of a particular list.
The terms “invention” or “present invention” are not intended to refer to any single embodiment of the particular invention but encompass all possible embodiments as described in the specification and the claims.
The term “about” as used herein refer to slight variations in numerical quantities with respect to any quantifiable variable. Inadvertent error can occur, for example, through use of typical measuring techniques or equipment or from differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of components.
The term “substantially” refers to a great or significant extent. “Substantially” can thus refer to a plurality, majority, and/or a supermajority of said quantifiable variable, given proper context.
The term “generally” encompasses both “about” and “substantially.”
The term “configured” describes structure capable of performing a task or adopting a particular configuration. The term “configured” can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases, such as constructed, arranged, adapted, manufactured, and the like.
Terms characterizing sequential order, a position, and/or an orientation are not limiting and are only referenced according to the views presented.
The pouch attachment ladder system (“PALS”) usually refers to a grid of webbing invented and patented by United States Army and is now found on a variety of tactical equipment. As used herein, PALS is used to refer to any object having a grid of holes arranged in rows, said grid having at least two rows of holes, unless context indicates otherwise.
The “scope” of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The scope of the invention is further qualified as including any possible modification to any of the aspects and/or embodiments disclosed herein which would result in other embodiments, combinations, subcombinations, or the like that would be obvious to those skilled in the art.
This is a continuation-in-part patent application which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. Ser. No. 17/651,259 filed Feb. 16, 2022, which is a continuation-in-part patent application which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. Ser. No. 17/390,434, filed Jul. 30, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,279,421, issued Mar. 22, 2022. These patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties herein, including without limitation, the specification, claims, and abstract, as well as any figures, tables, appendices, or drawings thereof.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17651259 | Feb 2022 | US |
| Child | 18744380 | US | |
| Parent | 17390434 | Jul 2021 | US |
| Child | 17651259 | US |
