ADJUSTABLE RACK APPARATUS

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adjustable rack apparatus that increases the storage, protection, accessibility, security, safety, and organization potential for items packed, for example, utility vehicle beds. The adjustable rack apparatus may be used in conjunction with a storage box that is either fixed to, separate from, or separable from, the adjustable rack. The adjustable rack apparatus comprises a frame, a fixed length rotatable arm, a variable length arm, and an adjustable storage rack. Level substantially vertical movement of the adjustable storage rack is achieved by proper positioning of the fixed length rotatable arms and the variable length arms relative to each other and the frame and the adjustable storage rack. Changing the length of the variable length arm causes movement of the fixed length rotatable arm and level substantially vertical movement of the storage rack.

Claims

1. A substantially vertically adjustable rack apparatus comprising a single fixed frame connecting a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the rack apparatus, a fixed length rotatable arm, a variable length arm, and a storage rack, wherein a second end of the fixed length rotatable arm and a bottom end of the variable length arm connect to the frame on the first lateral side or the second lateral side of the rack apparatus.

2. The substantially vertically adjustable rack apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fixed length rotatable arm provides movable connection to the storage rack and to the variable length arm.

3. The substantially vertically adjustable rack apparatus of claim 1, wherein fixed length rotatable arm comprises two support arms.

4. The substantially vertically adjustable rack apparatus of claim 3, wherein the variable length arm is a gas shock that is rotatably connected at a top end to a support arm of the fixed length rotatable arm.

5. The substantially vertically adjustable rack apparatus of claim 1, wherein the storage rack includes a substantially level surface in both a lowered configuration and an elevated configuration, and during motion.

6. The substantially vertically adjustable rack apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fixed length rotatable arm, the variable length arm, and the frame are provided in a substantially triangular configuration relative to the frame.

7. The substantially vertically adjustable rack apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a storage box.

8. The substantially vertically adjustable rack apparatus of claim 1, wherein the storage rack comprises two components each of which is substantially the mirror image of the other.

9. A rack apparatus comprising a fixed frame connecting a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the rack apparatus with an adjustable storage rack with a substantially vertically movable level surface located between the first lateral side and the second lateral side that is movably connected to the frame on both the first lateral side and the second lateral side by a second end of a fixed length rotatable arm and a bottom end of a variable length arm, and wherein the fixed length rotatable arm is also movably connected to a top end of a variable length arm.

10. The rack apparatus of claim 9, wherein the variable length arm is a gas shock.

11. The rack apparatus of claim 9, wherein fixed length rotatable arm comprises two support arms.

12. The rack apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the support arms has a hole for movable connection to the storage rack.

13. The rack apparatus of claim 9, wherein the fixed length rotatable arm, the variable length arm and the frame are provided in a substantially triangular configuration relative to the frame.

14. The rack apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a storage box.

15. The rack apparatus of claim 13, wherein the storage rack is not directly connected to the frame.

16. A method of using a rack apparatus comprising: adjusting the rack apparatus in a substantially vertical manner relative to a fixed frame that connects a first lateral side of the rack apparatus and a second lateral side of the rack apparatus to raise or lower a storage rack; causing rotation of a fixed length rotatable arm that is attached at a second end to the frame; increasing or decreasing the length of a variable length arm that is attached at a bottom end to the frame and at a top end to the fixed length rotatable arm; and maintaining a substantially level surface as part of the storage rack.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: rotating the fixed length rotatable arm at two separate points of connection to the storage rack.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: locating a storage box under the storage rack; and opening a lid of the storage box when the storage rack is elevated.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: locking the storage rack to the storage box when the storage rack is lowered.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising: assembling the storage rack from two components each of which is substantially the mirror image of the other.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0086] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0087] FIG. 1 depicts the side view of an adjustable storage rack of the present invention in association with a utility vehicle. The adjustable storage rack depicted in FIG. 1 is shown to occupy substantially all of the utility vehicle bed. In many embodiments of the present invention, however, the adjustable storage rack does not occupy substantially all of the utility vehicle bed. In some embodiments of the present invention, the adjustable storage rack provides several inches of clearance on one or both lateral sides between the storage rack apparatus and an outer perimeter edge of the utility vehicle bed.

[0088] FIGS. 2-11 each depict various views of an adjustable storage rack of the present invention with a storage box. FIG. 2 depicts a back and side perspective view wherein the storage rack is in a lowered configuration such that the storage rack rests on or is located on the top surface of the storage box lid. FIG. 3 depicts a front and side perspective view wherein the storage rack is in a lowered configuration such that the storage rack rests or is located on the top surface of the storage box lid. FIG. 4 depicts a top plan view. FIG. 5 depicts a bottom plan view. FIG. 6 depicts a back plan view. FIG. 7 depicts a front plan view. FIG. 8 depicts a side plan view wherein the storage rack is in a lowered configuration such that the storage rack rests or is located on the top surface of the storage box lid. FIG. 9 depicts a side plan view relative to FIG. 8 and wherein the storage rack is in a raised or elevated configuration such that the storage rack is elevated over the top surface of the storage box lid. FIG. 10 depicts a side plan view relative to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 and wherein the storage rack is in a further raised or elevated configuration such that the storage rack is elevated over the top surface of the storage box lid. The movement arrows in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 indicate the circular substantially vertical movement of the storage rack. FIG. 11 depicts a side plan view relative to FIG. 10 wherein the storage rack is in a further raised or elevated configuration such that the storage rack is elevated over the top surface of the storage box lid and the storage box lid is open.

[0089] FIG. 12 provides a partially exploded view of an adjustable rack apparatus of the present invention to provide further detail as to the configuration and attachment of the fixed length rotatable arms and the variable length arms. FIG. 12 also shows additional gas shocks inside the storage box to support the opening or closing of the storage box lid.

[0090] FIG. 13 depicts a storage rack of an adjustable rack apparatus of the present invention that comprises two components, wherein each component is substantially the mirror image of the other.

[0091] FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 provide another bottom and back angled perspective view of an adjustable rack apparatus of the present invention, wherein FIG. 15 depicts the storage box, in part, in broken line in order to show the mechanisms inside the storage box that assist the opening and closing of the storage box lid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] Reference numbers used in association with various features of the present inventive embodiments described below are shared across the Figures. Identification of a feature in one Figure is intended to apply to that same feature across all Figures regardless of whether such feature is again specifically identified with a reference identifier. That is, some of the figures do not call out each of the features to prevent overcrowding of the figures. It is noted that the fixed length rotatable arms 100 may or may not comprise one or more support arms, but as depicted here comprise two support arms 108, an upper support arm 116 and a lower support arm 118. Also, the embodiment shown here includes the optional storage box. Additionally, as depicted, the frame is a separate component. The embodiments specifically depicted in the Figures and described below are, in no way, intended to be limiting.

[0093] FIG. 1 depicts the side view of an adjustable storage rack 200 of the present invention in association with a utility vehicle 6. This embodiment of the present invention includes the optional storage box 150. As depicted the adjustable storage rack 200 and box 150 are located in the vehicle bed 10 (here depicted in dotted line). Frame 20 is located adjacent to the vehicle cab 12. Upper bracket 28 is provided on the frame 20 and provides connection points at first end of the fixed length rotatable arm 100. Storage rack 50 provides connection points, on each of a railing upper perimeter 84 and a railing lower perimeter 86, at a second end of the fixed length rotatable arm 100. Joining mechanism 122 provides an attachment point at a top end of the variable length arm 130, and the bottom end of the variable length arm 130 attaches to lower bracket 48 on frame 20. The storage rack 50 provides a level surface 52. The adjustable storage rack 200 is shown in its lowered configuration and the storage rack 50 is shown resting on top of the storage box lid 152.

[0094] FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 each depict various views of an adjustable storage rack 200 that includes the optional storage box 150. Accordingly, reference numbers identifying shared features are, similarly, shared between these Figures, even if not specifically called out on each of the separate figures.

[0095] FIG. 2 depicts a back and side perspective view wherein the adjustable storage rack 200 is in a lowered configuration such that the storage rack 50 rests or is located on the top surface of the storage box lid 152. Frame 20 is shown with the frame body 22 provided in an arch form. Frame bolts 44 secure the frame body 22 components.

[0096] Frame 20 includes an upper bracket 28 and a lower bracket 48. Upper bracket 28 is mounted onto the frame body 22 by welding. Upper bracket 28 includes two protruding tabs 32, each having a hole 38 (not shown here due to insertion of bolt or pin 34), that provides a bracket pivot point 36 via a bracket bolt or pin 34. Upper bracket 28 provides movable connection points 40 at a first end of the fixed length rotatable arm 100. Bottom bracket 48 also includes a bracket hole 38 (not shown here due to insertion of bolt or pin 34), that provides a bracket pivot point via a bracket bolt or pin 34. Bottom bracket 48 provides a movable connection point 142 for variable length arm 130. Specifically, a variable length arm bottom end 134 attaches to connection point 142 at the bottom bracket 48; meanwhile, a variable length arm top end 132 attaches to joining mechanism 122 which forms part of bracket 120 on a lower support arm 118 of the fixed length rotatable arm 100. Frame bolts 24 attach the frame 20 to the storage box 150.

[0097] The fixed length rotatable arms 100 shown here comprise support arms 108. Each lateral side of the adjustable rack apparatus 200 includes two support arms 108, an upper support arm 116, and a lower support arm 118. Each support arm 108 includes a support arm first end 112 that attaches to the storage rack 50, and a support arm second end 114 that attaches to the frame 20. As depicted here, each of the upper support arm 116 and lower support arm 118 first ends 112 attach to distinct locations on the storage rack 50. Specifically, the upper support arm 116 first end 112 attaches to the railing upper perimeter 84 at a first joining component 64; meanwhile the lower support arm 118 first end 112 attaches to the railing lower perimeter 86 at a second joining component 68. The railing upper perimeter 84 includes a railing component upper surface 88, and a railing component lower surface 90.

[0098] Rack 50 is provided as a first structure component 56 and a second structure component 58, and includes four rounded corners 78. The rack 50 includes rack cross members 60 that provide a level surface 52. Rack locking mechanisms 92 can be used to lock or secure rack 50 to the storage box lid 152. In another preferred embodiment, the rack locking mechanism can be used to lock or secure the rack 50 to the storage box 150.

[0099] Storage box 150 is shown with locking mechanisms 160 that serve to lock the storage box lid 152 closed and secure to storage box 150. Storage box attachment surface 158 is provided as or on the bottom surface of storage box 150.

[0100] FIG. 3 refers to the same features as noted above, but additionally shows the storage box hinge 154.

[0101] FIG. 4 depicts the adjustable rack apparatus 200 from a top view. The fixed length rotatable arms 100 are provided with a frame connection point 40 shown at one end, and a storage rack connection point 104 shown at the other end. In this figure, railing component 82 is noted, which component includes and is defined by the railing upper perimeter 84 and the railing lower perimeter 86. All other features provided with reference identifiers are discussed above in connection with at least FIG. 2.

[0102] FIG. 5 depicts the adjustable rack apparatus 200 from a bottom view. FIG. 5 depicts a view of the variable length arm 130 movable attachment point 142. All other features provided with reference identifiers are discussed above in connection with at least FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0103] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show a back view or a front view of the adjustable rack apparatus 200, respectively. The fixed length rotatable arms 100 bolts 126 are additionally provided with a reference identifier. All other features provided with reference identifiers are discussed above in connection with at least FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0104] FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11 depict the adjustable rack apparatus 200 in various stages of substantially vertical motion 94 or in stopped or fixed lowered or elevated configurations. Specifically, FIG. 8 provides a side view of the adjustable rack apparatus 200 in a stopped lowered configuration. FIG. 9 provides a side view of the adjustable rack apparatus 200 in a partially elevated configuration, having moved through a semi-circular motion. The fixed length rotatable arms comprise an upper support arm 116 and a lower support arm 118 which, in this partially elevated configuration, are shown to be substantially horizontal and parallel to, the storage box lid 152. The adjustable rack apparatus 200 may or may not be locked or fixed in this partially elevated position. FIGS. 10 and 11 provide side views of the adjustable rack apparatus 200 in an elevated configuration, wherein the storage box lid 152 is either closed or open. As shown here, the rack 50 of the adjustable rack apparatus 200 has achieved a substantially vertical motion 94, even while it moved through a semi-circular motion 94 path before arriving at an elevated position wherein the rack is located substantially immediately above its location on the storage box lid 152 (as shown in FIG. 8). As the storage box lid 152 is shown open in FIG. 11, also depicted are box lid gas shocks 162 and the box lid variable length arm top end 164 which attaches to the underside of the box lid 152. All other features provided with reference identifiers are discussed above in connection with at least FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0105] FIG. 12 provides a partially exploded view of an adjustable rack apparatus 200 to provide further detail as to the configuration and attachment of the fixed length rotatable arms 100 and the variable length arms 130. This figure also shows additional box gas shocks 162, including top end 164 and bottom end 166 inside the storage box to support the opening or closing of the storage box lid 152. Support arm holes 110 are specifically called out along with screws or pins 124 and bolts 126. Also indicated are the storage rack 50 first joining component 64 and second joining component 68. Upper bracket holes 38 are also shown. All other features provided with reference identifiers are discussed above in connection with at least FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0106] FIG. 13 depicts a storage rack 50 of an adjustable rack apparatus 200, and newly provides a reference identifier for a rack hole 72 and a rack lateral side 80. All other features provided with reference identifiers are discussed above in connection with at least FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0107] FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 provide another bottom and back angled perspective view of an adjustable rack apparatus 200, wherein FIG. 15 depicts the storage box 150, in part, in broken line in order to show the mechanisms inside the storage box, here the box lid gas shocks 162 that assist the opening and closing of the storage box lid. All other features provided with reference identifiers are discussed above in connection with at least FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 12.

[0108] It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.