Multi-Use Structure for a Pickup Truck

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of vehicle accessories, and more particularly to a multi-use structure for a pickup truck.

2. Description of the Related Art

As can be seen by reference to the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,989,148; 5,553,762; 5,558,486 and 5,597,195, the prior art is replete with myriad and diverse vehicle ramp and side board constructions.

While all of the aforementioned prior art constructions are more than adequate for the basic purpose and function for which they have been specifically designed, they are uniformly deficient with respect to their failure to provide a simple, efficient and practical multi-use structure for use in combination with a pickup truck.

As a consequence of the foregoing situation, there has existed a longstanding need for a new and improved multi-use structure and the provision of such a construction is a stated objective of the present invention.

Briefly stated, the present invention provides a multi-use structure for use in combination with a pickup truck. The structure includes a pair of longitudinal panels, each panel having a number of pocket stakes that are movably adjustable along the bottom edge of the panel to align with the pockets in the sidewalls of a pickup bed. This adjustment allows the panels to be used as sideboards on a variety of pickup truck models that may have various stake pocket spacings. When the situation requires, the panels may be removed from the stake pockets and the panels may be positioned at the rear of the truck and used as ramps. A strap with a lip positioned at one end of each panel extends down to engage the tailgate or bed of the truck to provide a firmer grip when the panels are positioned as ramps. A pair of sleeves attached at one end of one of the panels acts to telescopically connect the panels in end-to-end relationship where the panels may be used as a ladder or bridge. The panels may also be placed under the drive wheels of the truck to provide traction needed in muddy or snowy conditions.

Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 a perspective view illustrating the multi-use structure of the present invention being used as a pair of ramps;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a pocket stake being adjustably attached to the bottom edge of one of the panels;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the pocket stake;

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the pocket stake;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view illustrating the pair of panels as used in the ramp configuration;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the right-hand side of the right-hand panel shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a left-side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view illustrating one of the panels secured as a side board of the pickup, and the other panel being moved down into the side board position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the panels connected end-to-end and being used as a ladder;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the same structure being used as a bridge; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing one of the panels under the wheels of a truck to provide traction.

As can be seen by reference to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, the multi-use structure that forms the basis of the present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 10. The structure 10 includes a pair of panels 20, a number of adjustably movable pocket stakes 50, and a telescopic connector 80. The structure 10 is designed for use in combination with a pickup truck 90 having a truck bed 92, sidewalls 94 with stake pockets 96, and a tailgate 98.

As most clearly shown in FIGS. 5-7, the panels 20 include a pair of spaced parallel bars 30 interconnected by rungs 40 and an end strap 42 which has an extending lip 44. Pocket stakes 50, shown in detail in FIGS. 2-4, are attached to one of the bars 30 on each panel 20. A saddle 60 includes spaced walls 62 that receive a section of the bar 30 and have three pairs of registered openings 64, 66, 68 that receive threaded fasteners 70 (FIG. 2) to adjustably secure the pocket stake 50 to one edge of the panel 20.

The telescopic connector 80 comprises a pair of sleeves 82 attached to one end of one panel 20 as clearly shown in FIG. 5. The sleeves 82 extend coaxially out from the bars 30 at one end of the panel 20 and have a cavity 84 in the free end which telescopically receives the free ends of the bars 30 of the other panel 20. Set screws 86 secure the panels 20 in end-to-end relationship suitable for use as a ladder (FIG. 9) or as a bridge to span small streams (FIG. 10). Individual panels 20 may also be used under the tires of the truck to enhance traction in mud or snow (FIG. 11). It is anticipated that the primary use of the structure 10 will be as ramps (FIG. 1) and as side boards (FIG. 8).

Although only an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.