Stake pocket adapter

Claim 2

In a cargo carrier comprised of a platform provided with vertical stake pockets, the stakes each being provided with a longitudinally extending threaded opening, means in the pocket for supporting a stake in upright position comprising, a plate provided with a central opening extending across the upper end of a pocket and forming a support for, the lower end of the stake, a resiliently compressible member in the pocket having an opening aligned with that in the plate and stake, and means having a portion extending through the opening in the plate and member and cooperating with the threaded opening in the stake to compress the member against the plate to expand it laterally into firm engagement with the pocket wall and to secure the stake in upright position to the plate.

Claim 3

In a cargo carrier according to claim 1, in which the plate is provided with a depressed portion extending into the pocket and forming a seat for the bottom portion of the stake.

Claim 4

In a cargo carrier according to claim 2, wherein the means for compressing the member and securing the stake to the plate includes a bolt having a threaded portion in the stake opening and a flat plate between the lower end of the member and the bolt head.

Claim 5

A structure for supporting a hollow stake in the vertically extending stake pocket of a cargo carrier having a platform provided with such pockets comprising, first means including a downwardly coverging tapered block in the pocket, second means including a plurality of upwardly converging tapered wedges between the inner surface of the pocket and the outer surface of the block, means for moving the block and wedges in opposite directions to force the wedges into firm engagement with the inner surface of the pocket and for maintaining the block between the wedges, and means for supporting the stake comprising an upward extension on the upper surface of the block for insertion in the lower end of the stake and conforming to the inner dimensions thereof, the upper surface of the block being provided with a ledge about the base of the extension for seating the bottom of the stake.

Claim 6

A structure for supporting a hollow stake in the vertically extending stake pocket of a cargo carrier having a platform provided with such pockets comprising, first means including a downwardly coverging tapered block in the pocket, second means including a plurality of upwardly converging tapered wedges between the inner surface of the pocket and the outer surface of the block, means for moving the block and wedges in opposite directions to force the wedges into firm engagement with the inner surface of the pocket and for maintaining the block between the wedges, and means for supporting the stake comprising an upward extension on the upper surface of the block for insertion in the lower end of the stake and conforming to the inner dimensions thereof, the upper surface of the block being provided with a ledge about the base of the extension for seating the bottom of the stake.

Claim 7

A structure according to claim 4 wherein the means for moving the block and wedges in opposite directions comprises, a threaded bolt, the block being threaded to receive the bolt thread, and a washer between the bolt head and lower ends of the wedges, whereby rotation of the bolt causes such movement.