US Patent 11292383 Truck bed utility bar

A utility bar configured to be secured to a pair of stake pockets formed in opposing sidewalls of a bed of a vehicle. Each of the stake pockets includes an opening formed in an upper wall of the sidewall, a first aperture that is not accessible from the bed, and a second aperture that is accessible from the bed. The utility bar includes a tubular member, a pair of end fittings attached to the tubular member, and a pair of lock assemblies positioned in the stake pockets that mate with the end fittings, wherein the lock assemblies each include a locking mechanism configured to secure the lock assembly and the end fitting to the first aperture that is not accessible from the bed.