Cargo supporting apparatus for use with a bed of a pickup truck

This invention relates to cargo carrying systems for motor vehicles, and particularly to a cargo carrying system for a pickup truck which allows cargo to be securely transported in a bed of the pickup truck, and which can be folded into a stowed position to allow unimpeded use of the bed. A cargo supporting apparatus adapted to be used within a bed of a pickup truck. The apparatus includes a frame which is pivotally mounted to a longitudinal sidewall of the bed such that it can be moved between a stowed position and an operative position. In the operative position the frame extends generally horizontally from the sidewall of the bed. A pivot assembly is used to support the frame in its operative position. A locking assembly is operatively associated with the pivot assembly for holding the frame in its operative position. The locking assembly also includes a user actuatable lever. The actuatable lever can be used to unlock the locking mechanism such that the frame can be pivoted from its operative position into its stowed position. The frame includes a plurality of openings which each have a cargo carrying element such as a net or flexible bag. Articles such as grocery bags or other small items of cargo can be placed in the net or bag such that they will be held stationary while the vehicle is in use.