DROP-DOWN UTILITY RACK FOR VEHICLES CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This applicant claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/773,010, now pending, filed on March 5, 2013, which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present subject-matter relates to a drop-down utility rack for vehicles, and more particularly to an actuated drop-down utility rack. BACKGROUND

[0003] Many types of operations require utility tools to be transported on a vehicle. When a particular job requires a utility tool, the operator can remove the tool from the vehicle.

[0004] While various utility tools can be transported, larger dimensioned tools, such as ladders, represent a particular challenge due their size. For smaller vehicles, such as utility vans or trucks, a preferred way of transporting a ladder is to use a ladder rack mounted onto the roof of the vehicle. Since the roof of the vehicle can be taller than the operator, removing the mounted ladder can be troublesome. For example, these troubles include an operator having to remove the ladder through two stages of movement, wherein the operator must stand beneath the descending ladder during the removal. Furthermore, in some cases, the operator must reach over his/her head and exert an upper movement in order to mount the ladder back onto the roof of the vehicle. In yet other cases, only one end of the ladder is lowered for dismounting, resulting in the ladder being lowered at an angle. SUMMARY

[0005] It would thus be highly desirable to provide a drop-down utility rack for vehicles, which would at least partially address the disadvantages of the existing technologies. [0006] According to one exemplary aspect, there is provided a drop-down utility rack having a base frame, a variable-length arm and an actuating arm. The variable-length arm has a first member and a second member, wherein the first member is slidably coupled to the base frame to define a coupling point and the second member is slidably coupled to the first member. The actuating arm is pivotally coupled at a first end to the base frame remote from the coupling point and is pivotally coupled at a second end to a coupled end of the first member. The actuating arm is pivotal between first and second positions, the pivoting of the actuating arm from the first position to the second position causing the variable- length arm to displace from a tool transporting position thereof to a tool access position thereof.

DRAWINGS

[0007] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration non-limitative examples in which: [0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the drop-down utility rack in an intermediate position in accordance to one exemplary embodiment;

[0009] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the drop-down utility rack, taken along line A-A of Figure 1 , in an intermediate position in accordance to one exemplary embodiment; [0010] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the drop-down utility rack in an intermediate position in accordance to one exemplary embodiment installed on a roof rack;

[001 1] Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the drop-down utility rack in an intermediate position in accordance to one exemplary embodiment; [0012] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the drop-down utility rack in a tool transporting position in accordance to one exemplary embodiment installed on the roof of a vehicle and with a ladder positioned thereon; [0013] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the drop-down utility rack in a tool transporting position in accordance to one exemplary embodiment;

[0014] Figure 7 is a front elevation view of the drop-down utility rack in a tool transporting position in accordance to one exemplary embodiment having a ladder positioned thereon;

[0015] Figure 8 is a side elevation view of the drop-down utility rack in a tool transporting position in accordance to one exemplary embodiment having a ladder positioned thereon;

[0016] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the drop-down utility rack in a tool access position in accordance to one exemplary embodiment installed on the roof of a vehicle and with a ladder positioned thereon;

[0017] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the drop-down utility rack in a tool access position in accordance to one exemplary embodiment;

[0018] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the drop-down utility rack in a tool access position in accordance to one exemplary embodiment having a ladder positioned thereon;

[0019] Figure 12 is a front elevation view of the drop-down utility rack in a tool access position in accordance to one exemplary embodiment having a ladder positioned thereon; [0020] Figure 13 is a front elevation view of the drop-down utility rack in a tool access position in accordance to one exemplary embodiment; and

[0021] Figure 14 is a side elevation view of the drop-down utility rack in a tool access position in accordance to one exemplary embodiment having a ladder positioned thereon. DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

[0022] It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements or steps. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. Furthermore, this description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way but rather as merely describing the implementation of the various embodiments described herein.

[0023] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, therein illustrated are various views of an exemplary drop-down utility rack 2 in an intermediate position according to one exemplary embodiment. The drop-down utility rack 2 has a drop-down assembly 4 for at least partly supporting an item, such as a ladder 5. The drop-down assembly 4 has a base frame 8 for mounting the assembly 4 onto a roof rack 12 of a vehicle 14. The base frame 8 can be mounted onto an end region of the roof rack 12 proximate a side of the vehicle 14. [0024] An actuating arm 16 is pivotally coupled at a first end to the base frame 8. According to various exemplary embodiments, the actuating arm 16 is pivotally coupled to the base frame 8 via a rotatable joint 20. The rotatable joint 20 is further coupled to a rotating bar 24 of the base frame 8, wherein rotation of the rotating bar 24 causes the actuating arm 16 to pivot. For example, the rotating bar 24 can be further coupled at one end to a lever 28. When the drop-down assembly 4 is mounted onto the roof rack of the vehicle 14, the lever 28 can extend downwardly from a roof 30 of the vehicle 14 such that an operator can easily access the lever 28 from the side of the vehicle 14. As a result, an operator can easily cause the actuating arm 16 to pivot. [0025] The actuating arm 16 is pivotally coupled at a second end 32 to a coupled end 34 of a first member 36 of a variable-length arm 40. The first member 36 is further pivotally and slidably coupled to the base frame 8 to define a coupling point 44. The coupling point 44 is located at a position that is remote from the position defined by the coupling of the actuating arm 16 to the base frame 8. For example, the actuating arm 16 is coupled to a first end of the base frame 8 and the first member 36 is coupled to an opposite end of the base frame 8. Pivoting of the actuating arm 16 causes the first member 36 to be pivoted and slidably displaced about the coupling point 44. [0026] The first member 36 is pivotally and slidably coupled to the base frame 8 via a guiding joint 48. The guiding joint 48 is pivotally coupled to the base frame 8 to define the coupling point 44 and to provide the pivotal motion of the first member 36. The guiding joint 48 guides the sliding displacement of the first member 36. For example, the guiding joint 48 can be internal to the first member 36. [0027] Continuing with Figures 1 to 4, the variable-length arm 40 has a second member 52 that is slidably coupled to the first member 36. The sliding displacement of the second member 52 is guided by the first member 36. At least a portion of the length of the second member 52 overlaps with a portion of the first member 36. [0028] According to various exemplary embodiments, the first member 36 and the second member 52 are arranged end-to-end and have an extendible member attached therebetween. For example, the extendible member is a spring- loaded bellows.

[0029] According to various exemplary embodiments, the first member 36 and the second member 52 of the variable-length arm 40 have a telescoping relationship with respect to each other. For example, the first member 36 can be an internal member and the second member 52 is external to the first member 36.

[0030] At least one tool-retaining member 54 is coupled to a surface of the external member 52 of the telescoping arm 40. The tool-retaining member 54 can be any member that can support a tool to be transported. For example, the at least one tool-retaining member 54 includes support brackets attached to an upper surface of the external member 52 for supporting a portion of a ladder. For example, a first support bracket 54 can be located at a position intermediate the length of the external member 52. For example, a second support bracket 55 can be attached to an end of the external member 52. For example, the position of the tool-retaining member 54 can be adjustable to accommodate different objects to be supported. For example, different ladders having different widths can be supported within the support brackets. Furthermore, additional support brackets 54 can be attached to the external member 52 where required.

[0031] A composite linkage 56 couples the actuating arm 16 to the external member 52. The composite linkage 56 causes sliding displacement of the external member 52 in response to pivoting of the actuating arm 16.

[0032] According to various exemplary embodiments, the composite linkage 56 is an A-frame 56 formed of a fixed arm 60 and a pivotal arm 64. A first end of the fixed arm 60 is pivotally joined by a pivotal joint 68 to a first end of the pivotal arm 64. A second end of the fixed arm 60 opposite the pivotal joint 68 is fixedly coupled to the second end of the actuating arm 16. For example, the actuating arm 16 can have a transverse member and the fixed arm 60 of the A-frame 56 is coupled to the actuating arm 16 via at least one point on the transverse member. It will be understood that the fixed arm 60 is described herein as being "fixed" because it is fixed relative to the actuating arm 16. That is, the fixed arm 60 forms a constant angle with the actuating arm 16 as the actuating arm 16 is pivoted. However, the fixed arm 60 is rotated with the pivotal movement of the actuating arm 16. A second end of the pivotal arm 64 opposite the pivotal joint 68 is pivotally coupled to a coupled end 74 of the external member 52.

[0033] Referring now to Figures 5 to 9, therein illustrated are various views of the exemplary drop-down utility rack 2 when the exemplary drop-down assembly 4 is in a tool transporting position. The actuating arm 16 is pivoted to a first position. For example, in the first position, the actuating arm 16 is pivoted to a generally reclined position. For example, in the reclined position, the actuating arm 16 can be generally aligned with the base frame 8. As shown in Figures 6 and 9, when the drop-down assembly 4 is mounted onto a roof rack 12 of the vehicle 14, the actuating arm 16 can also be generally aligned with the roof rack 12 and the roof 30 of the vehicle 14. When the drop-down assembly 4 is in the transporting position, the internal member 36 can also be generally aligned with the base frame 8. When mounted onto a roof rack 12 of the vehicle 14, the internal member 36 can also be generally aligned with roof rack 12 and the roof 30 of the vehicle 14. [0034] In the tool transporting position, the internal member 36 is displaced relative to the coupling point 44 such that the coupling point 44 is positioned along a lower portion of the internal member 36. For example, the coupling point 44 is positioned near a free end 80 of the internal member 36.

[0035] The external member 52 is also substantially aligned with the base frame 8. When mounted onto the roof rack 12 of the vehicle 14, the external member 52 is also substantially aligned with the roof rack 12 and the roof 30 of the vehicle 14. Furthermore, the external member 52 is in a retracted position relative to the internal member 36. In the retracted position, the external member 52 is displaced relative to the internal member 36 such that the external member 52 overlaps a significant portion of the internal member 36. For example, the external member 52 can overlap substantially an entire length of the internal member 36. For example, the free end 80 of the internal member 36 can be positioned near a free end 82 of the external member 52.

[0036] In the transporting position, the telescoping arm 40 is generally aligned with the base frame 8. When mounted onto the roof rack 12 of the vehicle 14, the telescoping arm 40 is generally aligned with the roof rack 12. It will be appreciated that the roof rack 12 is generally horizontal with the roof 30 of the vehicle 14. As a result, the telescoping arm 40 is also generally horizontal with the roof 30 of the vehicle 14. For example, when a ladder 5 is being transported, the ladder 5 will also be supported horizontally by the support brackets 54 of the telescoping arm 40. It will be appreciated that the horizontal position of the ladder 5 provides stability during transportation with the vehicle 14.

[0037] According to exemplary embodiments where the actuating arm 16 is coupled to the external member 52 of the telescoping arm 40 via the A-frame 56, the A-frame 56 is in a closed position when the drop-down assembly 4 is in a transporting position. In the closed position, the fixed arm 60 and pivotal arm 64 of the A-frame 56 define an angle 84. For example, the angle 84 is an acute angle. It will be appreciated that a small angle 84 of the A-frame causes the external member 52 to overlap a significant portion of the internal member 36. For example, the angle 84 is sufficiently small to allow the external member 52 to substantially overlap the entire length of the internal member 36. In one exemplary embodiment, the fixed arm 60 can be at least partially overlapping with pivotal arm 64.

[0038] In the transporting position, the guiding joint 48 restricts movement of the telescoping arm 40 relative to the base frame 8. For example, the guiding joint 48 restricts movement of the telescoping arm 40 in a direction perpendicular to the base frame 8. For example, when the drop-down assembly 4 is mounted onto the roof rack 12 of the vehicle 14, the guiding joint 48 restricts movement of the telescoping arm 40 in an up-down direction relative to the roof 30 of the vehicle 14. Restricting the movement of the telescoping arm 40 in the up-down direction further restricts the pivotal movement of the actuating arm 16 about the pivot point 20, thereby reducing stress on the actuating arm 16. Restricting the movement of the telescoping arm 40 further reduces forces on the tools supported by the drop-down assembly 4. [0039] Referring back to Figures 1 to 4 in the intermediate position, the actuating arm 16 has been pivoted away from its reclined position. For example, the actuating arm 16 is at an inclined position relative to the base frame 8. When mounted onto a roof rack 12 of the vehicle 14, the actuating arm 16 is also at an inclined position relative to the roof rack 12. For example, the actuating arm 16 is pivoted from the reclined position to the intermediate position by rotating the lever 28 to cause the rotating bar 24 to rotate. For example, the lever 28 is rotated in a counterclockwise motion.

[0040] As a result of the pivoting of the actuating arm 16, the internal member 36 is also pivoted away from the base frame 8. For example, the internal member 36 is at an inclined position relative to the base frame 8. Since the coupling point 44 is located at a position that is remote from the position defined by the coupling of the actuating arm 16 to the base frame 8, the center of rotation of the pivoting movement of the actuating arm 16 is not the same as the center of rotation of the pivoting movement of the internal member 36. As the actuating arm 16 is pivoted away from its reclined position, it exerts a force on the internal member 36. In particular, the force exerted on the internal member 36 has a non-zero component in the direction of the length of the internal member 36. Pivotal movement of the actuating arm 16 away from its reclined position causes the internal member 36 to be slidably displaced in the direction of the free end 82 of the external member 52 of the telescoping arm 40. The coupling point 44 is displaced relative to the internal member 36 in the direction of the coupled end 34 of the internal member 36.

[0041 ] As a result of the pivoting of the actuating arm 16, external member 52 is also pivoted away from base frame 8. It will be appreciated that the external member 52 is at an inclined position relative to the base frame 8. Since the external member 52 overlaps the internal member 36, the external member 52 has the same axis of rotation as the internal member 36. Both the external member 52 and the internal member 36 rotate about the coupling point 44. Since the coupling point 44 is located at a position that is remote from the position defined by the coupling of the actuating arm 16 to the base frame 8, the center of rotation of the pivoting movement of the actuating arm 16 is not the same as the center of rotation of the pivoting movement of the external member 52. As the actuating arm 16 is pivoted away from its reclined position, it exerts a force on the external member 52 through the composite linkage 56. In particular, the force exerted on the external member 52 has a non-zero component in the direction of the length of the external member 52. Pivotal movement of the actuating arm 16 away from its closed position causes the external member 52 to be slidably displaced in the direction away from the coupled end 34 of the internal member 36.

[0042] The actuating arm 16 can be pivoted from its first position to a second position. For example, in the second position the actuating arm 16 is substantially upright. For example, in the second position the actuating arm 16 is perpendicular to the base frame 8.

[0043] According to various exemplary embodiments, over at least a portion of the pivotal movement of the actuating arm 16 from its reclined position to the upright position, the sliding displacement of the internal member 36 relative to the coupling point 44 occurs simultaneously with the sliding displacement of the external member 52 relative to the internal member 36.

[0044] Over at least a portion of the pivotal movement of the actuating arm 16 from the reclined position to the upright position, the force exerted on the external member 52 through the composite linkage 56 is greater than the force exerted on the internal member 36. Over this portion of pivotal movement, for the same movement of the actuating arm 16, the rate of displacement of the external member 52 relative to the internal member 36 is greater than the rate of displacement of the internal member 36 relative to the coupling point 44. As a result, the external member 52 is slidably displaced relative to the internal member 36. The free end 82 of the external member 52 is displaced away from the free end 80 of the internal member 36. The overall length of the telescoping arm 40 is increased as a result of the displacement of the external member 52 relative to the internal member 36. [0045] According to various exemplary embodiments where the composite linkage 56 is an A-frame formed of a fixed arm 60 and a pivotal arm 64, the fixed arm 60 rotates with the pivotal movement of the actuating arm 16. As the actuating arm 16 is pivoted away from its reclined position, the fixed arm 60 exerts a force on the pivotal arm 64 through the pivotal joint 68. The force exerted by the fixed arm 60 causes the pivotal arm 64 to be rotated about the pivotal joint 68 away from the fixed arm 60. As a result, the angle 84 defined by the fixed arm 60 and the pivotal arm 64 is increased as the actuating arm 16 is pivoted. As the actuating arm 16 is pivoted away from the closed position, and as a result of the force exerted by the fixed arm 60, the pivotal arm 64 further exerts a force on the external member 52. It will be understood that the force exerted by the pivotal arm 64 on the external member 52 corresponds to the force exerted on the external member 52 through the composite linkage 56 described herein.

[0046] Referring now to Figures 9 to 14, therein illustrated are various views of the exemplary drop-down utility rack 2 wherein the exemplary drop-down assembly 4 is in a tool access position. The actuating arm 16 is pivoted to its second position, such as the upright position. For example, as shown, the actuating arm 16 can be upright relative to the base frame 8. When mounted onto the roof rack 12 of the vehicle 14, the actuating arm 16 can be upright relative to the roof rack 12.

[0047] When the drop-down assembly 4 is in the tool access position, the telescoping arm 40 is inclined in relation to the base frame 8. For example, the telescoping arm 40 extends downwardly over a side of vehicle 14. Furthermore, the telescoping arm 40 reaches an extended position. [0048] When the telescoping arm 40 is in the extended position, the internal member 36 is inclined in relation to the base frame 8. As shown in Figure 9, when mounted onto the roof rack 12 of the vehicle 14, the internal member 36 is transverse to the roof rack 12 and the roof 30 of the vehicle 14 and is substantially vertical on the side of the vehicle 14. The internal member 36 has been displaced relative to the coupling point 44 such that the coupling point 44 is positioned along an upper portion of the internal member 36. For example, the coupling point 44 is positioned near a coupled end 34 of the internal member 36 near the actuating arm 16.

[0049] When the telescoping arm 40 is in the extended position, the external member 52 is also inclined in relation to the base frame 8. When mounted onto the roof rack 2 of the vehicle 14, the external member 52 is transverse to the roof rack 12 and the roof 30 of the vehicle 14 and is substantially vertical on the side of the vehicle 14. The external member 52 has been displaced relative to the internal member 36 such that the coupled end 74 of the external member 52 is positioned near the free end 80 of the internal member 36. The external member 52 has been displaced relative to the internal member 36 such that a significant portion of the internal member 36 is exposed and a reduced portion of the internal member 36 overlaps the external member 52. It will be appreciated that in the extended position, the telescoping arm 40 has a significantly greater length than its length when it is in the retracted position.

[0050] When the drop-down utility rack 2 is mounted onto the vehicle 14 and the drop-down assembly 4 is in its tool access position, the external member 52 extends downwardly from the internal member 36. The telescoping arm 40 extends downwardly from the roof 30 of the vehicle 14. The support bracket 54 of the telescoping arm 40 is lowered from the roof 30 and is positioned on the side of the vehicle 14. The telescoping arm 40 can be generally aligned with a side of the vehicle 14. Alternatively, the telescoping arm 40 can be at a slight incline relative to the side of the vehicle 14. As a result, a tool being at least partially supported within the support bracket 54 is also lowered from the roof 30 and positioned on the side of the vehicle 14. It will be appreciated that a tool being in a lowered position allows an operator to easily access this tool, such as the ladder 5 or other tools, being supported by the drop-down utility rack 2.

[0051] According to various exemplary embodiments where the composite linkage 56 is an A-frame formed of the fixed arm 60 and the pivotal arm 64, the A- frame 56 is in an open position when the drop-down assembly 4 is in a tool access position. In the open position, the pivotal arm 64 has been rotated away from the fixed arm 60 to define an obtuse angle 84. According to various exemplary embodiments, the fixed arm 60 and the pivotal arm 64 can be generally aligned such that the angle 84 approaches 180°.

[0052] The drop-down assembly 4 can be returned from the tool access position to the tool transporting position through pivotal movement of the actuating arm 16 from its upright position back to its reclined position. For example, the actuating arm 16 is pivoted from the upright position back to its reclined position by rotating the lever 28 to cause the rotating bar 24 to rotate. For example, the lever 28 is rotated in a clockwise motion.

[0053] As a result of the pivoting of the actuating arm 16, the internal member 36 is also pivoted. As the actuating arm 16 is pivoted towards its reclined position, it exerts a force on the internal member 36. In particular, the force exerted on the internal member 36 has a non-zero component in the direction of the length of internal member 36. The pivotal movement of the actuating arm 16 towards its reclined position causes the internal member 36 to be slidably displaced in a direction away from the free end 82 of the external member 52 of the telescoping arm 40. The coupling point 44 is displaced relative to the internal member 36 in the direction of the free end 80 of the internal member 36.

[0054] As a result of the pivoting of the actuating arm 16, the external member 52 is also pivoted. As the actuating arm 16 is pivoted towards its reclined position, it exerts a force on the external member 52 through the composite linkage 56. In particular, the force exerted on the external member 52 has a non-zero component in the direction of the length of the external member 52. The pivotal movement of the actuating arm 16 towards its reclined position causes the external member 52 to be slidably displaced in a direction towards the coupled end 34 of the internal member 36. [0055] Over at least a portion of the pivotal movement of the actuating arm 16 from the closed position to the open position, the force exerted on the external member 52 through the composite linkage 56 is greater than the force exerted on the internal member 36. Over this portion of pivotal movement, for the same movement of the actuating arm 16, the rate of displacement of the external member 52 relative to the internal member 36 is greater than the rate of displacement of the internal member 36 relative to the coupling point 44. As a result, the external member 52 is slidably displaced relative to the internal member 36. The free end 82 of the external member 52 is displaced towards the internal member 36. The overall length of the telescoping arm 40 is decreased as a result of the displacement of the external member 52 relative to the internal member 36.

[0056] According to various exemplary embodiments where the composite linkage 56 is an A-frame formed of the fixed arm 60 and the pivotal arm 64, the fixed arm 60 rotates with the pivotal movement of the actuating arm 16. As the actuating arm 16 is pivoted towards its reclined position, the fixed arm 60 exerts a force on the pivotal arm 64 through the pivotal joint 68. The force exerted by the fixed arm 60 causes the pivotal arm 64 to be rotated about the pivotal joint 68 towards the fixed arm 60. As a result, the angle 84 defined by the fixed arm 60 and pivotal arm 64 is decreased as the actuating arm 16 is pivoted towards its reclined position. As the actuating arm 16 is pivoted towards its reclined position, and as a result of the force exerted by the fixed arm 60, the pivotal arm 64 further exerts a force on the external member 52. It will be understood that the force exerted by the pivotal arm 64 on external member 52 corresponds to the force exerted on the external member 52 through the composite linkage 56 described herein.

[0057] For example, due to the telescoping arm 40 entering the extended position and due to a small portion of the internal member 36 overlapping with the external member 52, the internal member 36 can become misaligned with the external member 52. According to various exemplary embodiments, guiding joint 48 provides re-alignment of the internal member 36 with the external member 52 as the telescoping arm 40 is shifted from its extended position back to its retracted position.

[0058] It will be appreciated that by providing a pivotal and slidable coupling of the internal member 36 to the base frame 8, a saving is achieved in the space required for the internal member 36 to complete its full range of motion. For example, where the internal member 36 is only pivotally coupled to the base frame 8, the entire length of the internal member 36 would be pivoting. By contrast, according to exemplary embodiments described herein, the length of the internal member 36 being rotated on one side of the coupling point 44 is decreased due to the sliding displacement of the internal member 36 relative to the coupling point 44. Similarly, the sliding displacement of the external member 52 relative to the internal member 36 reduces the length of the external member 52 that must be rotated. Overall, the sliding motions of the internal member 36 and external member 52 allow the length of the telescoping arm 40 to be shortened, thereby providing a reduction in the space required by the drop-down assembly 4.

[0059] It will be appreciated that the space required for the drop-down assembly 4 to complete its full range of motions between the tool transporting position and the tool access position is defined by the pivoting of the actuating arm 16 and the composite linkage 56. Advantageously, the sliding motions of the internal member 36 and external member 52 of the telescoping arm 40 allow the length of the actuating arm 16 to be shortened, thereby also providing a reduction in the space required for the drop-down assembly 4 to complete its motion between the tool transporting position and the tool access position. In particular, the space required above the vehicle 14 is reduced. For example, the reduction in space required becomes important when the drop-down assembly 4 is to be operated in a location with overhead space restrictions, such as with a garage having a low ceiling.

[0060] According to various exemplary embodiments, the drop-down assembly 4 further has an actuator 88. A stationary portion of the actuator 88 is coupled to the base frame 8. An actuated portion of the actuator 88 can be coupled to the actuating arm 16 to assist the pivoting of the actuating arm 16. For example the actuated portion of the actuated arm is coupled to the actuating arm at a coupling point 96 remote from the axis of pivot 20 of the actuating arm 16. For example, the actuator 88 may be a spring loaded shock, electric actuator or hydraulic actuator.

[0061] According to one exemplary embodiment, the actuator 88 assists the pivotal movement of the actuating arm 16 from its reclined position to its upright position. In particular, the actuator 88 applies a force on the actuating arm 16 from the base frame 8 in a direction opposite the pivotal movement of the actuating arm 16 to restrict the movement of the actuating arm 16. It will be appreciated that the forced applied by the actuator 88 on the actuating arm 16 restricts the rotational velocity of the actuating arm 16. Restricting the velocity of the movement of the actuating arm 16 ensures smooth displacement of the internal member 36, external member 52, and composite linkage 56. In particular, it ensures smooth sliding displacement of the external member 52 relative to the internal member 36.

[0062] According to one exemplary embodiment, the actuator 88 assists the pivotal movement of the actuating arm 16 from its upright position to its reclined position. In particular, the actuator 88 applies a force on the actuating arm 16 from the base frame 8 in the same direction as the pivotal movement of the actuating arm 16 towards its reclined position. The assisting force from the actuator 88 assists in causing the telescoping arm 40 to return to its retracted position. For example, movement of the internal member 36 relative to the coupling point 44 is assisted. Similarly movement of the external member 52 towards the coupling end of the internal member 36 is also assisted.

[0063] According to various exemplary embodiments, the drop-down utility rack 2 has two similar drop-down assemblies 4 and 4'. The first drop-down assembly 4 is attached to a first track of the roof rack 2 of the vehicle 14. The second drop-down assembly 4' is attached to a second track of the roof rack 12 the vehicle 14. For example, the first track and the second track are parallel and spaced apart in a front to back direction of the vehicle 14. Accordingly, the first drop-down assembly 4 and the second drop-down assembly 4' are also spaced apart along the length of the vehicle 14. For example, the first drop-down assembly 4 can support a first portion of the ladder 5 and the second drop-down assembly 4' can support a second portion of the ladder 5.

[0064] For example, the first drop-down assembly 4 and the second assembly 4' can be attached together via a transverse support bar 92. For example, the transverse support bar 92 can be telescoping to have a variable length. The length of the transverse support bar 92 can be adjusted according to the distance between the first drop-down assembly 4 and the second drop-down assembly 4'.

[0065] For example, the actuating arm 16 and actuating arm 16' of the second assembly 4' can be attached to the same rotating bar 24. For example, the rotating bar 24 can be telescoping to have a variable length. The length of the rotating bar can be adjusted according to the distance between the first drop-down assembly 4 and second dropdown assembly 4'. For example, the second assembly 4' also has a respective actuator 88' for assisting pivotal movement of the second actuating arm 16'. [0066] While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non- limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.