초록 ▼

A rack assembly that is used to load and unload heavy or bulky material on an overhead rack of a truck, van, trailer, or similar vehicle. The rack assembly may include a base assembly, which may be sized to fit a range of vehicles, trailers, and the like. The rack assembly includes a movable part wh

A rack assembly that is used to load and unload heavy or bulky material on an overhead rack of a truck, van, trailer, or similar vehicle. The rack assembly may include a base assembly, which may be sized to fit a range of vehicles, trailers, and the like. The rack assembly includes a movable part which rolls down over the side of the vehicle and allows improved access to simplify the loading and unloading operations used to secure any material to the rack. The movable part may include a manual handle, or a power assist mechanism, to assist in loading and unloading operations.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A tilting rack system adapted for mounting on a vehicle or trailer, the rack system comprising: a base assembly including two parallel, spaced-apart track members, each track member having a horizontal center portion and two side portions that slope downwardly and away from the horizontal center

1. A tilting rack system adapted for mounting on a vehicle or trailer, the rack system comprising: a base assembly including two parallel, spaced-apart track members, each track member having a horizontal center portion and two side portions that slope downwardly and away from the horizontal center portion, each side portion terminating in an end portion coupled to a vehicle or trailer through a mounting element;a generally rectangular rack with front and back members defining a width, and two side members defining a depth, and wherein the front, back and side members are interconnected through two front corners and two back corners;wherein the back corners of the rack are coupled to the track members through rollers or bearings enabling the rack to be moved back and forth between a stowed position, wherein the rack is horizontally disposed on the center portions of the base assembly, and a loading position, wherein the rack is pulled out and down at an angle relative to a side of the vehicle or trailer; andat least two connecting arms to guide the rack as it is moved back and forth between the stowed and loading positions, each connecting arm having a first end hinged to a respective one of the mounting elements and a second end hinged to a respective one of the side members of the rack. 2. The rack system of claim 1, wherein the width of the rack corresponds to the spacing between the two parallel, spaced-apart track members. 3. The rack system of claim 1, wherein the back corners of the rack remain at a fixed distance from the track members as the rack is moved between the stowed and loading positions. 4. The rack system of claim 1, further including a plurality of load supports extending vertically upwardly from the front member of the rack. 5. The rack system of claim 1 wherein, in the stowed position, the connecting arms are disposed against the two side portions of the base assembly. 6. The rack system of claim 1, further including a manually operated handle coupled to the rack to assist with moving the rack between the stowed and loading positions. 7. The rack system of claim 6, wherein the manually operated handle is hinged to the rack, the assembly further including a support dock for storing the handle when not in use. 8. The rack system of claim 1, further including a powered assist mechanism coupled to the rack to assist with moving the rack between the stowed and loading positions. 9. The rack system of claim 8, wherein the powered assist mechanism includes an electric motor. 10. The rack system of claim 8, wherein the powered assist mechanism is hydraulic. 11. The rack system of claim 8, wherein the powered assist mechanism is pneumatic. 12. The rack system of claim 8, wherein the powered assist mechanism includes gearing and cables. 13. The rack system of claim 1, further including a safety mechanism to secure the rack in the stowed or loading positions. 14. The rack system of claim 1, further including a stop block to limit the movement of the rack as it is moved from the stowed to the loading position. 15. The rack system of claim 1, including two racks configured as mirror images coupled to the same track members, such that one of the racks is pulled out and down relative to one side of a vehicle or trailer, and the other rack is pulled out and down relative to an opposing side of the vehicle or trailer.