Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02850749 2014-04-30
CARGO BED STAKE POCKET ADAPTED FOR SECURING
J-HOOK STRAP THERETO
Cross Reference to Related Applications
10001] This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent
application serial no.
13/924,003 filed on June 21, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated herein
by reference.
Background of the Invention
1. Field of the invention
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of cargo beds of land
vehicles such as
trailers and flatbed trucks. More particularly, the present invention relates
to an
improved stake pocket formation used on a cargo bed of land vehicles which is
adapted
both to receive and support a sidewall supporting member and to attach a J-
hook strap
thereto.
2. Background
10003j Trailers are today commonly used by pivotally attaching to and being
pulled
behind land vehicles for hauling all sorts of cargo. Flatbed trucks are
similarly used for
hauling all sorts of cargo. The trailers and flatbed trucks include a frame or
chassis that
forms a cargo bed upon which the cargo is loaded and hauled as rteeded.
Sidewalls are
often provided and secured along the perimeter of the cargo bed for hauling,
for example,
bulk materials. When hauling items such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs),
tractors, etc., it
is desirable to remove the sidewalls and simply secure such items to the cargo
bed with
ratchet straps including, for example, straps having .I-hooks at their
terminal ends.
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100041 For selectively securing and removing the sidewalls from the cargo bed,
stake
pockets can be provided along the perimeter of the cargo bed. Sidewall
supporting
mem.bers such as 2 x 4 wood stakes are received in and are vertically
supported by the
stake pockets. The sidewalls are secured to the sidewall supporting members
and are,
thus, removably secured to the perimeter of the cargo bed.
Summary of the Invention
i00051 The object of the present invention is to provide an improved stake
pocket
formation which is capable of receiving and supporting a sidewall supporting
metnber
and which also includes means for easily and reliably securing the J-hook of a
strap
thereto. With the improved stake pocket formation the cargo bed sidewalls can
be
selectively removably secured to the perimeter of the cargo bed and, when the
sidewall
supporting member is removed therefrom, the J-hook of a strap can easily and
reliably be
secured thereto,
100061 In one forrn thereof the present is directed to a combination
comprising a cargo
bed, a frame supporting the cargo bed and wheels rotatably secured to the
frame and a
plurality of stake pocket formations. Each formation includes a pocket adapted
to receive
sidewall supporting member. Each stake pocket formation includes a pair of
sidewalls
secured to and projecting from the frame and an end wall extending between the
pair of
sidewalk. An opening extends through each formation end wall and is adapted to
receive
a terminal end of a J-hook therethrough, whereby a strap having a .J-hook at
its terminal
end may be secured to the stake pocket formations.
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100071 Preferably, the end walls include an upper edge, the opening is defined
by side
edges separated by a distance of 1.2 to 2.0 inches, and the opening side edges
are located
at least 0.6 to I .4 inch below the end wall upper edge.
10008] A J-hook is secured to the formation by inserting the terminal end
thereof into
the pocket placing the upper edge into a gap of the J-hook located between a I-
hook
shank and fingers and rolling the J-hook and inserting the terminal end
thereof through
the opening. An overali width of the I-hook is greater than a width of the
pocket
whereby, when a J-hook is located within the pocket and the .f-hook strap is
not in
tension, the J-hook is supported and maintained within the formation.
[0009] Preferably, each stake pocket formation further includes an attachment
wall
extending from each of the sidewalk, and the attachment walls are attached to
the frame
whereby the sidewalls are secured thereto. The formation attachment walls,
sidewalls
and end wall are integrally formed with one another.
1000101 Also preferably, the fonnation sidewalk project from the frame a
distance
slightly greater than. about 1.5 inch and the end walls extend between the
sidewalls
distance slightly greater than about 3.5 inches, whereby the stake pockets are
rectangular
and are slightly greater than about 1.5 inch by about 3.5 inches.
1000111 In another form thereof, the present invention is directed to a stake
pocket
fbrmation atta.chable to a frame along a perimeter of a cargo bed for forming
a stake
pocket for receiving a sidewall supporting member. The stake pocket formation
includes
an end wall extending between a pair of sidewalls. The sidewalls are
attachable to the
frame for thereby foilning a pocket for receiving a sidewall supporting
member. An
opening extends through the end wall and is adapted to receive the terminal
end of a
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hook therethrough, whereby a strap having a J-hook at its terminal end may be
secured to
said stake pocket formation.
[000121 Preferably, the end wall includes an upper edge, the opening is
defined by side
edges separated by a distance of 1.2 to 2.0 inches, and the opening side edges
are located
at least 0.6 to 1.4 inch below the end wall upper edge.
[000131 A .-hook is secured to the formation by inserting the terminal end
thereof into
the pocket placing the upper edge into a gap of the J-hook located between a 3-
hook
shank and fingers and rolling the J-hook and inserting the terminal end
thereof through
the opening. An overall width of the J-hook is greater than a width of the
pocket
whereby, when a J-hook is located within the pocket and -the J-hook strap is
not in
tension, the J-hook is supported and maintained within the formation,
1000141 Preferably, an attachment wall extends from each of the sidewalls and
the
attachment walls include fastener holes adapted to receive a fastener for
attaching the
formation to the frame. The attachment walls, sidewalls and end wall are
integrally
formed µNith one another.
100015j Also preferably, the formation sidewalls extend between their
respective
attachment wall and the end wall a distance slightly greater than about 1.5
inch and the
end wall extends between the sidewalls a distance slightly greater than about-
3.5 inches,
whereby the formed stake pocket is rectangular and is slightly greater than
about 1.5 inch
by about 3.5 inches.
Brief Description of the Drawings
1000161 The above mentioned and other features of this invention, and the
manner of
attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be
better
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understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the
invention
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a trailer constructed of sheet metal in
accordance
with the principles of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the frame, axle, wheels and tongue of the
trailer
shown in figure 1;
Fig. 3 is a top perspective view of the trailer frame shown in figure 2;
Fig. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the trailer frame shown in figure 2;
Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the trailer frame shown in figure 2 depicting
the
several components thereof;
Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the trailer frame shown in figure 2;
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of figure 6;
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of figure 6;
Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of figure 6; =
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of figure 6;
Fig. 11 is a partial perspective view of the side beam and front beam
components
of the trailer frame shown in figure 2 prior to assembly;
Fig. 12 is a partial perspective view attic side beam and front beam
components
similar to _figure 11 but shown after assembly;
Fig. 13 is a partial perspective view of the trailer frame shown in figure 2
and
showing the attachment of the trailer tongue thereto;
Fig. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the trailer tongue and A-frame jack
tube shown in figure I;
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Fig. 15 is a side elevation view of the trailer tongue and A-frame jack shown
in
figure 14;
Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of figure 15;
Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of figure 15;
Fig. 18 is a diagrammatic view depicting the cutting of large metai sheets to
desired shapes for use in forming trailer structural components/members;
Fig. 19 is a diagrammatic view depicting the cutting of a large metal sheet
provided in a roil to desired shapes for use in forming trailer structural
components/members;
Fig. 20 is a perspective view of an exemplary trailer frame crossbeam
component
depicted both before and after bending into a desired shape;
Fig. 21 is a perspective view of an exemplary trailer frame side beam
component
depicted both before and after bending into a desired shape;
Fig. 22 is an enlarged view of the front left corner of the trailer frame
shown in
figure 2 depicting a stake pocket formation constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present invention;
Fig. 23 is a perspective view similar to figure 22 and depicting a double J-
hook at
a terminal end of a strap secured to the stake pocket formation;
Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a common strap and double J-hook at its
terminal
end;
Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 25-25 of figure 6 and
showing a
double J-hook being placed into the stake pocket with the double J-hook
terminal
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end extending into the stake pocket and just prior to being inserted into the
formation end wall opening;
Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view similar to figure 25 showing the double J-
hook
resting in the stake pocket formation such as when the strap is not in
tension; and,
Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view similar to figure 25 showing the double J-
hook in
its in use position with its terminal end extending through the end wall
opening
and being effectively hooked onto the end wall of the stake pocket formation..
PM 71 Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts
throughout
several views. Although the exemplification set out herein illustrates
embodiments of the
invention, in several forms, the embodiments disclosed below are not intended
to be
exhaustive or to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention to the
precise forms
disclosed.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
100018] Referring initially to figures 1 and 2, a trailer constructed of
structural
components/members made of sheet metal in accordance with the principles of
the
present invention is shown and generally designated by the numeral 10. Trailer
10
includes a frame 12 which is supported by leaf suspension springs 14, axle 16
and wheels
l 8 rotatably secured to spindles 20 thereof in a known and customary manner.
The
forward end 22 of the leaf springs 14 are pivotally secured to U-shaped
brackets 24
which are attached to the underside of the frame 12 by extending a bolt (not
shown)
through the holes 26 in the U-shaped brackets 24 and the hole 28 at the
forward end 22 of
the leaf springs 14. The rear end 30 of leaf springs 14 are secured to the
underside of the
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frame 12 using similar U-shaped brackets 24 and bolts (not shown) extending
through
holes 26 .thereof. However, the leaf springs rear end 30 is maintained within
the U-
sh.aped bracket with bolts (not. shown) for thereby allowing the springs rear
end 30 to
longitudinally slide within the bracket as the leaf springs flex, for thereby
transferring the
weight from the trailer to the axle 16.
1000191 Frame 12 is adapted to support a trailer bed 32 preferably made of
treated wood
such as 5/4 inch decking or other standard timber materials. A tongue 34 is
secured to
the frame 12 and extends forwardly of the trailer 10. Tongue 34 includes a
ball hitch
coupling assembly 36 at its forward terminal end for detachably securing to a
vehicle ball
hitch (not shown) in a known and customary manner. An A-frame jack tube 38 is
secured to the tongue 34 and is adapted to receive a standard gearbox and
extension tube
(not shown) for supporting and selectively raising and lowering the tongue 34
and, hence,
the forward end of the trailer 10.
1000201 Trailer 10 can further include wheel fenders 40 secured to the frame
12 and
positioned over the wheels 18, Lights brackets 56 are also secured to and
extend
outwardly from the frame 12 whereupon trailer lights (not shown) can be
mounted.
1000211 Left and right sidewalls 42, 44, front wall 46 and rear tailgate 48
can also be
provided and secured to the frame 12. The left and right sidewalls 42, 44 can
be secured
with sidewall supporting frame members 54 which are secured to and extend
upwardly
from the frame 12. A spare wheel 52 can be detachably secured to one of the
sidewall
supporting frame members 54.
[00022] As seen in figure 2 wherein the sidewalls, front wall and tailgate 42,
44., 46 and
48 have been omitted, wheels stops 50 can be provided at the forward end of
the frame 12
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for abutting the wheels of vehicles such as ATVs and lawn tractors being
carried on the
trailer 10 without a front wall 46. Combination stake pockets and strap
securement
members 58 can also be provided and secured to the frame 12. Securement
members 58
are adapted to slidingly receive and support a 2 x 4 wood member in a position
similar to
sidewall supporting frame members 54 and securing other sidewalls thereto as
may be
desired. Advantageously, securement members 58 are also adapted for
selectively
attaching thereto double J-hooks of common ratchet straps.
[00023) Trailer frame 12 is made by assembling and securing together with
rivets or
other suitable fasteners: left and right side structural menibers 60, 62.;
front end structural
member 64; rear end structural member 66; crossbeam members 68; and, torque
tube 70.
The left and right terminal ends 72, 74 of the front end structural member 64
are secured
to the respective front terminal ends 76, 78 of the left and right side
structural members
60, 62. The left and right terminal ends 80, 82 of the rear end structural
member 66 are
secured to the respective rear terminal ends 8-4, 86 of the left and right
side structural
members 60, 62. The crossbeam members 68 are secured, at their terminal ends
88, to
and between the left and right side structural members 60, 62. The torque tube
70 is also
similarly secured, at its terminal ends 90, to and between the left and right
side structural
members 60, 62. The front end structural number 64, rear end structural number
66,
cross beam members 68 and the torque tube 70 are, hence, secured between and
extend
transverse to the left and right side structural members 60, 62.
[00024j As best seen in figure 9, the left and right side structural members
60, 62, when
viewed in cross-section, comprise: a U-shaped portion including a branch leg
92 and an
attachment leg 94 integrally formed with and extending from a base section 96;
and, an
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L-shaped portion including a branch leg 98 integrally formed with an
attachment leg 100.
The branch leg 92 of the U-shaped portion is integrally formed with the branch
leg 98 of
the L-shaped portion. At their front terminal ends 76, 78, the side structural
members 60,
62 each include a tab 102 integrally formed with and extending generally
perpendicular
from their base section 96. At their rear terminal ends 84, 86, the side
structural members
60, 62 each include an upwardly bent element 104 fonned by cutting a V-notch
104
between the base section 96 and attachment leg 94 and bending the attachment
leg 94
portion adjacent the V-notch at an angle from the attachment leg 94.
[000251 The crossbeam members 68 are generally Z-shaped in cross-section and
comprise a central web section 106 and flange sections 108 which are
integrally formed
therewith and extend generally perpendicular from the central web section 106.
1000261 The front end structural member 64, in cross-section, is generally U-
shaped
having a lower leg 110 and an upper leg 112 integrally formed with and
extending from a
base section 114. The terminal portion of -the upper leg 112 is bent over onto
itself
thereby forming an overlapping arrangement including an interior section 116
integrally
formed with the upper leg 112 along a terminal edge 118. Upper leg 112 and
interior
section 116 are adjacent and parallel to one another. As best seen in figure
7, an
abutment section 120 is integrally -formed with the interior section 116 and
extends
generally perpendicular therefrom. The abutment section 120, as shown in
figure 11,
does not extend to the left and right terminal ends 72, 74 tbr thereby placing
the terminal
ends of the branch legs 92 parallel and adjacent the terminal ends of the
upper leg 112
and securing to one another as further described hereinbelow.
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[000271 The rear end structural member 66, in cross-section, is also generally
U-shaped
and includes an upper panel 122 and toe panel 124 integrally- formed with and
extending
from a rear panel 126. Upper panel 122 is generally perpendicular to the rear
panel 126,
whereas the toe panel 124 extends at an angle therefrom as best seen in figure
10. At
each of the left and right terminal ends 80, 82, a side panel 128 is
integrally formed with
and extends generally perpendicular from the upper panel 122. A bottom side
panel
section 130 is integrally formed with and extends generally perpendicular from
each of
the side panels 128. :Bottom side panel sections 130, as best seen in figure
10, extend at
an angle relative to the upper panel 122 and are generally parallel with toe
panel 124 and
the upwardly bent elements 104 of the left and right side members 60, 62.
[00028] The torque tube 70, in cross-section, generally comprises a first U-
shaped
portion 132 nested and secured by welding with a second U-shaped portion 134.
The
first U-shaped portion 132 includes first and second legs 136, 138 extending
from and
integrally formed with a base section 140. Brim extensions 142 are integrally
formed
with and project generally perpendicular from the terminal ends of each of the
first and
second legs 136, 138. The second U-shaped portion 134 includes first and
second legs
144, 146 extending from and integrally formed with a base section 148. As best
seen in
figure 7, the first U-shaped portion 134 is received within and nested in the
second U-
shaped portion 132 placing the first leg 136 of the first U-shaped portion 132
adjacent the
first leg 144 of the second U-shaped portion 134 and placing the second leg
138 of the
first U-shaped portion 132 adjacent the second leg 146 of the second U-shaped
portion
148. U-shaped portions 132, 134 are secured to one another by welding as
indicated by
welding beads 150 located at the bends between the first and second legs 136,
138 and
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the brim extensions 142 and the bends between the first and second legs 144,
146 and the
base section 148.
1000291 Referring now more particularly to figures 13-17, in cross-section,
the tongue
34 is tubular shaped and is made up of a rectangular component 152 having a
longitudinal opening 154 and a flat sheet component 156 which fills the
longitudinal
opening 154 and is welded to the rectangular component 152. The rectangular
component essentially comprises a U-shaped portion including sidewalls 1.58
integrally
formed with and extending from a top wall 160. Flange sections 162 are
integrally
formed with and extend from the ends of the sidewalls 158 toward one another.
Flange
sections 162 are coplanar and -the longitudinal opening 154 is located
therebetween. The
sheet component 156 is secured to the flange sections 162 by welding as
indicated by
welding beads 164 located at the terminal edges of the flange sections 162.
1000301 A hole 1 66 is provided in the top wall 1160 of the rectangular
component 152
and the jack tube 38 extends therethrough and also through the longitudinal
opening 154
as best seen in figure 16. Jack. tube 38 includes a triangular mounting plate
168 with boll
holes 170 extending therethrough adjacent each oldie triangle corners. One
corner 172
of the triangular plate 168 is bent and extends perpendicular therefrom for
thereby
placing the bent corner 172 and -the bolt hole 170 thereof adjacent one of the
sidewalls
158 of the rectangular component 152. The other corners of the triangular
mounting
plate 168 and bolt holes 170 thereat are thereby located adjacent the top wall
160 of the
rectangular component 152. The jack tube 38 is thereby secured to the tongue
34 with
two bolts (not shown) each of which extend through a bolt hole 170 and through
the top
wall 1 60 cif the rectangular component 152, and one bolt (not shown) which
extends
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through the bolt hole 170 of the bent corner 172 and through the sidewall 158
of the
rectangular component 152. It is noted that the ball hitch coupling assembly
36 is also
secured to the tongue 34 with bolts (not shown) which extend through holes 174
therethrough and aligned holes (not shown) which extend through the sidewalls
158 of
the rectangular component 152.
[00031I The tongue 34 is pivotally secured to a trailer tongue pocket 176
which is, in
turn, secured to the trailer frame 12. Pocket 176, in cross-section, is
generally top hat
shaped and comprises a top wall 178, side-walls 180 integrally formed with and
extending
therefrom and brim portions 182 integrally formed with and extending
perpendicular
from the ends of -the sidewalls 180. At each of its terminal ends, pocket 176
is provided
with tabs 184 which. are integrally formed with and extend perpendicularly
upwardly
from the top wall 178. Pocket 176 is provided with front holes 186 and rear
holes 188
which extend through the sidewalls 180.
1000321 The rear portion of the tongue 34 is received within the tongue pocket
176 in a
nested towing position as best seen in figure 13. In the nested towing
position, holes 1.90
extending through the sidewalls 158 of the tongue 34 are aligned with the
front holes 186
of the tongue pocket 176 and a removable pin (not shown) is provided extending
therethrough. Also, holes 192 extending -through the sidewalls 158 near the
rear terminal
end of tongue 34 are aligned with the rear holes 188 of the tongue pocket 176
and a bolt
(not shown) is provided extending therethrough. As should now be appreciated
to one
skilled in the art, the removable pin can selectively be removed from the
aligned holes
186, 194 thereby allowing the tongue 34 to pivot about the bolt extending
through holes
188, l 92 and, while tongue 34 remains generally horizontal, allow the trailer
frame 12 to
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also pivot about the axle 16 and thereby place the trailer 10 in a tilted
position at an angle
from the horizontal. In the tilted position, the rear end structural member 66
is in contact
with the ground whereby, for example, vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles
(ATVs) and
lawn tractors can be driven onto or ()tithe trailer bed 32 and/or iteins on
the trailer bed 32
can be dumped off therefrom. In the tilted position, the toe panel 124 and
bottom side
panel sections 130 of the rear end member 66 are placed generally horizontal
and in
contact with the ground.
100033) As mentioned hereinabove, in accordance with the principles of the
present
invention, the several structural components/members, including
components/members
34, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 54, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70 and 176 are made of
sheet metal and
are then a.ssembled for making the trailer 10. More particularly, the several
structural
components/members are made by cutting desired shapes which are
diagrammatically
indicated in figures 18 and 19 with the numeral 190 from larger sheets of
metal 192
andlor larger sheets of metal 192 provided on a roll. Sheet metal sheets 192
and rolls 194
are made of steel and are provided with a protective coating against rust on
both sides
thereof. Preferably, the protective coatings are galvanized coatings of zinc,
aluminum or
a combination of zinc and aluminum. The desired shapes 190, after cutting, are
therefore
also galvanized on both sides thereof. The sheet metal sheets 192 and rolls
19,4 will
typically be 10 to 16 gauge in thickness and, most preferably, will be 12 to
14 gauge in
thickness. Preferably, the desired shapes 190 are cut from the sheet metal
sheets 192 by
laser cutting, although other cutting methods such as shearing or punch
pressing ma),Tbe
employed as well. Preferably, when cutting the desired shapes 190 from sheets
192,
fastening holes and other holes and openings diagrammatically depicted by the
numeral
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198 are also cut or punched through the desired shapes 190. It is noted that,
after cutting,
the sheet metal underlying steel at the cut edges 196 is exposed and subject
to rust.
However, any such rusting will be quite slow and will not markedly affect the
structural
strength and appearance of the several components/members during the
anticipated life of
the trailer 10.
100034j The desired shapes 190, as can be appreciated by one skilled in the
art, have a
perimeter edge 196 outline having a desired shape, e.g., width, length, etc.,
whereby the
several componentslmembers can be made by further bending and shaping. For
example,
as shown in figure 20, the desired shape 190 is bent as indicated "down 90 "
and "up
90'" at the bend lines between the central web section 106 and the flange
sections 108 for
thereby forming a cross beam member 68. Also by way of example, as shown in
figure
21, the desired shape 190 is bent as indicated for thereby forming a right
side structural.
meniber 62. Also as indicated in both figures 20 and 21, the several fastening
holes and
openings 198 that were cut or punched in the desired shapes 190 form the
fastening holes
and other openings whereby the several components/members can be assembled by
aligning such fastening holes and openings as needed and securing the several
components/members to one another with fasteners inserted therethrough.
Preferably, the
several components/members are assembled using rivets 200 and, more
preferably, using
blind rivets. It is noted that throughout th.e several views of the drawings
the
components/members, whether assembled to one another or not, for clarity
purposes, are
shown and depicted only with their fastening holes and openings 198 and
without the
fastening rivets 200.
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1000351 Referring now again to figures 3-12, it can be seen that the frame 12
is
assembled by securing the crossbeam members 68 transversely between the left
and right
side structural members 60, 62. In this regard, the terminal ends 88 of
crossbeam
members 68 are inserted into the left and right side structural members 60, 62
placing
their upper flange 108 adjacent the attachment leg 100 and their lower flange
108
adjacent the attachment leg 94. At each crossbeam terminal end 88 the upper
flange 108
thereof is attached to the attachment leg 100 with one or more rivets 200 and
the lower
flange 108 is attached to the attachment leg 94 with one or more rivets 200
(see example
thereof in figure 7).
1000361 The torque tube 70 is attached to the left and right side structural
members 60,
62 similar to the crossbeam members 68. The torque tube terminal ends 90 are
inserted
into the left and right side structural members 60, 62. The terminal ends of
the torque
tube brim extensions 142 are thereby placed adjacent and secured to the
attachment legs
100 with one or more rivets 200. Also, the terminal ends of the torque tube
base section
140 are thereby placed adjacent and secured to the attachment legs 94 with one
or more
rivets 200 (see example thereof in figure 7).
1000371 The left and right terminal ends 72, 74 of the front end structural
member 64
are secured to the respective front terminal ends 76, 78 of thc left and right
side structural
members 60, 62 as best shown in figures 11 and 12. Here, the branch legs 92
are placed
adjacent to and overlapping with the upper leg 112 and secured to one another
with one
or more rivets 200 (not shown). The tabs 102 are placed adjacent to and
overlapping
with the base section 114 and secured together with one or more rivets 200
(not shown).
Also, the attachment legs 94 are placed adjacent to and overlapping with the
lower leg
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110 and secured together with one or more rivets 200 (not shown). As shown in
figure 7
the trailer bed 32 rests on and is secured with screws (not shown) to the
crossbeam
members 68 and the torque tube '70. The trailer bed 32 also extends beyond the
terminal
edge 11.8 and under the interior section 116 of the front end structural
member 64 thereby
providing a generally smooth transition between the upper surface of the
trailer bed and
the upper surface of the upper leg 112 of the front end structural member 64.
[000381 The left and right terminal ends 80, 82 of the rear end structural
member 66 are
secured to respective rear terminal ends 84, 86 of the left and right side
structural
members 60, 62 as shown in figures 3-6 and 10. In this regard, the bottom side
panel
sections 130 are placed adjacent to and overlapping with the upwardly bent
elements 104
and are secured together with one or more rivets 200 (not shown). The side
panels 128
are placed adjacent to and overlapping with the base section 96 and are
secured together
with one or more rivets 200 (not shown). Also, the upper panel 122 is placed
adjacent to
and overlapping with the branch leg 92 and is secured thereat with one or more
rivets 200
(not shown). As best seen in figure 10, the trailer bed 32 extends over the
crossbeam
tnember 68 located close to the rear terminal ends 84, 86 of the left and
right side
members 60, 62 and under and adjacen.t to the upper panel 122 of the rear
member 66.
Screws 202 extend through and secure together the upper panel 122, the trailer
bed 32
and the flange 108 of the cross beam member 68.
1000391 The tongue pocket 176 is secured to the frame 12 with its top wall 178
located
adjacent to the base section 140 of the torque tube 70 and the lower leg 110
of the front
end structural member 64. In this position, the tongue pocket rear tab 184 is
adjacent and
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secured to the second leg 138 of the torque tube 70, and the tongue pocket
front tab 184
is adjacent and secured to the base section 114 of the front end structural
member 64,
[000401 As mentioned hereinabove, combination stake pockets and strap
securement
members 58 are provided and are secured to the frame 12. Typically, securement
members 58 are attached to the left and right side members 60, 62 as shown in
figure 6,
although it is contemplated that they can also be provided and attached to the
front end
member 64 and rear end member 66. The stake pockets and strap securement
members
58 can also be provided and secured on other land vehicles such as flatbed
trucks. It is
noted that, although the combination stake pockets and strap sccurement
members 58 are
described herein for use along the perimeter of a trailer bed/cargo bed 32, it
should be
understood that the invention is not so limited and that the stake pocket and
securement
members 58 can also be used along the cargo bed perimeter of other land
vehicles such
as, for example, flatbed trucks.
[000411 Sidewall supporting members such as 2 x 4 wood members or other
similar
sidewall supporting members made of other materials and dimensions (not shown)
are
received in and are vertically supported by the securement members 58 in a
known and
customary manner. Similar to the sidewall supporting frame members 54, the 2 x
4 wood
members and/or such other sidewall supporting members are typically used, in a
known
and customary tnanner, for supporting the cargo bed sidewalls (n.ot shown) as
may be
needed or desired.
1000421 Referring now more particularly to figures 22-27, the stake pockets
and strap
securement members 58, in accordance with the principles of the present
invention,
include means for selectively attaching thereto common cargo J-hooks such as,
for
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example, as shown in figure 24, a double ri-hook 204 which is attached at a
terminal end
206 of a cargo strap 208.
[000431 As shown in figure 24. J-hook 204 is made by bending steel rod into a
shape
including a strap arm 210. Legs 212 extend from the terminal ends 214 of the
strap arm
210 and are united to one another at the bend 216 thereby forming a Y-shaped
back wall
or shank 218. Fingers 220 are united/adjacent one another and extend from a
bend 216 to
a point or terminal end 222. Legs 212 can be joined to one another and fingers
220 can
be joined to one another as shown by welding 224 or other suitable means for
added
strength in a known and customary manner. The exterior surfaces of the J-hook
204 are
typically .treated with a protective coating for preventing rust.
1000441 Cargo strap 208 is made of nylon or other suitable materials and is
typically
secured to or is adapted to be secured to a ratchet strap (not shown) for
tensioning the
strap and securing cargo to the trailer in a known and customary manner. As
shown in
Figure 24, cargo strap 208 extends around the strap atm 210 and is secured
onto itself
with stitching 226 or other suitable means. Accordingly, cargo strap 208 is
pivotally
securely attached to the .1-hook 204.
1000451 The steel rod forming the J-hook is about 7/16 inch diameter.
Accordingly,
when fingers 220 are placed adjacent one another, the width W of the tenninal
end 222 is
about 7/8 inch plus any gap 228 that may be provided therebetween. Also, as
best seen in
figure 26, the fingers length FL is about 1-5/8 inch; the shank length SI., is
about 2-15/16
inch; the throat depth TD is about 7/8 inch; and, the gap G between the shank
218 and
fingers 220 is about 15/16 inch.
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1000461 The stake pockets and strap securement members 58 comprise stake
pocket
fort-nations generally designated by the numeral 230. Stake pocket formations
230
include sidewalls 232, an end wall 234 extending generally perpendicular to
and between
the sidewalls 232 and attachment walls 236 extending generally perpendicular
to the
sidewalls 232 and in a direction away from the end wall 234. Essentially,
sidewalls 232
and end wall 234 form a U-shape and, with the attachment walls 236, fof III
a top hat
shape. Fastener holes 238 are provided through the attachment walls 236.
Bolts, rivets
or other suitable fasteners (not shown) extend through the fastener holes 238
and into the
frame 12 for securing the stake pocket formation 230 thereto. Stake pocket
formation
230 can also be secured to the frame 12 by welding the attachment walls 236 to
the frame
12, andlor by welding the sidewalls 232 themselves directly to the frame 12.
Accordingly, with the stake pocket formation secured to the frame 12 as
described and
shown, the sidewalls 232 project generally perpendicular from the frame 12.
1000471 Preferably, the attachment walls 236, sidewalls 232 and the end wall
234 are
integrally. formed from a single sheet of steel by bending and creating the
formation 230
as shown. Also preferably, the thickness of the steel sheet will typically be
10 to 16
gauge and, most preferably, will be 12 to 14 gauge, although it is
contemplated that much
thicker steel could also be used as may be needed or desired. The steel sheets
are also
provided with a protective coating against rust on both sides thereof similar
to the other
trailer components as described hereinabove.
100048I As best seen in figure 22, the attachment walls 236, sidewalls 232 and
end wall
234 have a height H of about 3.5 inches. The pocket length PL between the
sidewalls
232 is slightly greater than 3.5 inches, and the pocket width PAY between the
trailer frame
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12 and the end wall 234 is slightly greater than 1.5 inch. Accordingly, the
stake pocket
formation 230 forms a stake pocket- 240 which is rectangular shaped and is
slightly
greater than about 1.5 inch by about 3.5 inches wherein a standard 2 x 4 wood
member
can be slidingly received.
100049] An opening 242 extends through the end wall 234 and is adapted to
receive
therethrough the terminal end 222 and fingers 220 of the J-hook 204. Opening
242 is
defined by side edges 244 which are preferably separated by a distance of 1.2
to 2,0
inches. Most preferably-, opening 242 is circular sh.aped (the side edges 244
form a
circular shape) as shown having a diameter D of about 1.6 inch.
100050] Opening 242 is generally centrally located between the sidewalls 232.
Opening
242 is also located below an upper edge 246 of the end wall. 234 a distance B
which is
preferably 0.6 to 1.4 inch and, most preferably, a-bout 1.0 inch. That is, the
side edges
244 of the opening 242 are located at least 0.6 to 1.4 inch below the upper
edge 246 and,
most preferably, the side edges 244 are located about 1 inch below the upper
edge 246.
1000511 Referring now more particularly to figures 25-27 wherein the use of
the stake
pocket fomiation 230 is depicted, a .F-hook 204 is shown, for clarity
purposes, without the
cargo strap 208. For securing the J-hook 204 to the formation 230, as shown in
figure 25,
the fingers 220 and terminal end 222 thereof are first inserted into the stake
pocket 240
by placing the end wall upper edge 246 in the gap G between the shank 218 and
the
fingers 220. 13y further rolling/turning the .1-hook 204 as indicated by arrow
R, the
fingers 220 and terminal end 222 thereof are inserted into and through the
opening 242 as
shown in figure 27. As can be appreciated, in the position shown in figure 27
the cargo
strap 208 can be tightened/placed in tension such that the J-hook 204 is
pulled in a
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direction as indicated by arrow F. With the cargo strap 208 in tension, the
end wall 234
above the side edges 244 is received within the gap G of the J-hook 204 with
the side
edge 244 abutting the bend 216 of the j-hook 204. As should now also be
appreciated, so
long as the cargo strap 208 retnains in tension, the J-hook 204 is securely
retained in the
position as shown in figure 27.
[000521 It has been found that the distance B relative to the J-hook gap G and
throat.
depth TD must be coordinated anti sized as described hereinabove so that, as
the J-hook
204 is rolled into the stake pocket 240 as indicated by arrow R, the terminal
end 222
thereof will be received through the opening 242. if the distance B is too
large relative to
the J-hook gap G and throat depth TD, the terminal end 222 will hit the end
wall 234
rather than the opening 242. On the other hand, if the distance B is too
small, the
strength thereof may be insufficient for withstanding the force exerted
thereon by the j-
hook.
[000531 Also advantageously, while the cargo strap 208 is placed over and/or
around
cargo on the trailer or the cargo strap 208 is otherwise -not in tension, the
J-hook 204
which has been placed into the stake pocket 240 -will not fall therethrough
but, rather, -will
fall into and will be maintained in the position as shown in figure 26. That
is, without a
tension force F, the J-hook 204 is gravitationally pulled downwardly into the
stake pocket
240 until the shank 218 abuts the trailer frame 12 and the fingers 220 abut
the side edges
244 of the opening 242. In this regard, it has been found that the .1-hook
steel rod
diameter, gap G and pocket width PW must be coordinated so that, without a
tension
force F, the shank 218 will abut the trailer frame 12 and the fingers 220 will
abut the side
edges 244 of the opening 242, More particularly, the overall width OW of the j-
hook,
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which is about two times the rod diameter plus the gap G distance, is
coordinated to be
greater than the pocket width PW.
[000541 Finally, as should now also be appreciated, the J-hook cannot be
removed from
the stake pocket 240 by merely pulling the strap 208 thereof vertically
upwardly. Rather,
for removing the J-hook from the stake pocket 240, the J-hook must be rolled
in the
opposite direction of arrow R around and over the end wall upper edge 246.
100055j While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design,
the
present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this
disclosure.
This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or
adaptations of the
invention using its general principles.
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