Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to various cargo management systems that are compatible with vehicles having a cargo bed and tailgate. Systems provide flexible storage space for the vehicle both in the stowed and extended positions. The amount of secure space available in the cargo bed can be increased when the cargo management systems are in the extended position. The systems partially cover the cargo bed and/or tailgate thereby reducing turbulence at an end of the vehicle and improving vehicle fuel efficiency.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to vehicle cargo management systems; more specifically, the present disclosure relates to cargo management systems for use with vehicles having a tailgate. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Today greater demands are being placed on vehicles to accommodate the cargo needs of a vehicle owner. Trucks and some other vehicles, e.g., sport utility vehicles or all utility vehicles, include a cargo bed. Larger items can be placed on the cargo bed of the vehicle. Typically the cargo bed includes three rigid panels and a tailgate that selectively opens and closes. 
         [0003]    Some contemporary trucks include bed extenders that gate in the contents of the cargo bed when the tailgate is open. One design includes a number of rails that rotate between the cargo bed and tailgate. Without an enclosed profile, however, the fuel efficiency of the truck is diminished as the rear end of the truck experiences greater turbulence. Moreover, this type of arrangement can be less secure than others because the rails do not provide a lockable storage area neither when the bed extender is in the stowed nor the extended configuration. 
         [0004]    Therefore, it is desirable to have a cargo management system that is compatible with vehicles having a cargo bed that improves or sustains vehicle fuel efficiency even when in an extended position. Moreover, it is desirable to have a lockable cargo management system for the vehicle cargo bed. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present inventions address one or more of the above-mentioned issues. Other features and/or advantages may become apparent from the description which follows. 
         [0006]    Accordingly to one exemplary embodiment, a vehicle includes a cargo bed and a tailgate at one end of the cargo bed. The tailgate is configured to move between an opened position and a closed position. A cargo management system is configured to pivot between a stowed position and an extended position, the system includes: a first panel configured to at least partially cover the cargo bed when the cargo management system is in the stowed position, thereby improving vehicle fuel efficiency. When in the stowed position the cargo management system at least partially sits atop the cargo bed and when in the extended position the cargo management system at least partially sits atop the tailgate. 
         [0007]    In another exemplary embodiment, a cargo management system for use with a vehicle having a cargo bed and tailgate is provided. The system includes a top panel configured to at least partially cover the cargo bed; two side panels positioned between the cargo bed and top panel. The side panels are configured to attach to the top panel. A rear panel is configured to selectively rotate with respect to the top panel. The cargo management system is configured to rotate between the cargo bed and the tailgate when the tailgate is down. 
         [0008]    One of the benefits of the teachings provided in the present disclosure is that they provide for increased fuel efficiency of the vehicle when the tailgate is down or in an opened position. 
         [0009]    Another benefit of the present cargo management systems is that they provide selectively lockable storage areas for the vehicle driver. 
         [0010]    In the following description, certain aspects and embodiments will become evident. It should be understood that the invention, in its broadest sense, could be practiced without having one or more features of these aspects and embodiments. It should be understood that these aspects and embodiments are merely exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention. 
         [0011]    The invention will be explained in greater detail below by way of example with reference to the figures, in which the same references numbers are used in the figures for identical or essentially identical elements. The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. In the figures: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a vehicle compatible with cargo management systems according to several exemplary embodiments of the present inventions. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the cargo bed of  FIG. 1  with the tailgate in an opened position. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the cargo bed of  FIG. 1  with a cargo management system in an extended position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the cargo management system of  FIG. 3  in a stowed position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the cargo management system of  FIG. 3  shown pivoting towards another stowed position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the cargo management system of  FIG. 3  in another stowed position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a cargo management system in a stowed position according to another exemplary embodiment of the present inventions. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the cargo management system of  FIG. 7  with a rear panel rotated upward. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is an end view of the cargo management system of  FIG. 7  with the rear panel rotated downward. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is an end view of the cargo management system of  FIG. 7  with the rear panel rotated upward. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the cargo management system of  FIG. 7  with one panel in an extended position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the cargo management system of  FIG. 7  with the rear panel rotated downward. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the cargo management system of  FIG. 7  with a tailgate in a stowed position. 
       
    
    
       [0025]    Although the following detailed description makes reference to illustrative embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, and variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the claimed subject matter be viewed broadly. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    Referring to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-13 , wherein like characters represent the same or corresponding parts throughout the several views there is shown several exemplary vehicle cargo management systems. The cargo management systems are compatible with a vehicle cargo bed and tailgate. The cargo management systems can present better fuel economy and greater storage capabilities than contemporary arrangements. Cargo management systems are compatible with any type of automobile including e.g., pickup trucks, sports utility vehicles, and all utility vehicles. 
         [0027]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , there is shown therein a side view of a pick-up truck  10  having a cargo management system  20  according to at least two exemplary embodiments of the present inventions. Shown in  FIG. 1  are a front portion  30 , passenger cabin  40  and cargo bed  50  of the truck  10 . The cargo bed  50  is partially enclosed by three side panels (or walls) one of which  60  is shown in  FIG. 1 . A second panel, not shown, abuts the passenger cabin. The third panel, though not shown, is parallel to panel  60  and is substantially the same configuration as panel  60 . In the shown embodiment, the cargo bed is approximately 5.5 feet long by 4 feet wide. In another embodiment, the passenger cabin  40  is extended and the cargo bed is shorter than 5.5 feet. Extended cargo beds, longer than 5.5 feet, are also compatible with cargo management system  20 . Cargo bed  50  is further enclosed by a tailgate  70 , as shown in  FIG. 1  in the closed position or up. Tailgate  70  sits perpendicularly with respect to the cargo bed when the tailgate is in the closed position. 
         [0028]    The truck  10  of  FIG. 1  is compatible with the cargo management system  20 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1  the cargo management system  20  is shown in a stowed position. In the stowed position the cargo management system  20  sits atop the vehicle cargo bed  50 . The cargo management system  20  shares space with the cargo bed  50  when in the stowed position. Cargo management system  20  occupies approximately one third of the cargo bed  50  when in the stowed position. The system  20  is approximately 1.8 feet wide, along the length of the cargo bed, and just less than 4 feet along the width of the cargo bed. The cargo management system  20  includes four panels. Panel  80  is configured parallel with the tailgate  70  when the tailgate is in the closed position. Panel  80  is configured to rest flush with cargo bed  50  in this position to enclose the interior area of the cargo management system  20 . Panel  90  is fixed perpendicularly with panel  80 . Panel  90  provides a top surface, covering the interior area of the cargo management system  20 . Panel  90  partially covers the cargo bed  50  when the system is in the stowed position. Panel  90  is not removable from the system  20 . Panel  90  is fixed with respect to the cargo management system  20 . Panel  80  is configured to selectively pivot open independently from panel  90 . Panel  80  is hinged to panel  90  to enable access to the interior contents of the cargo management system  20 . Panel  90  further includes a locking mechanism  100  to secure panel in place and preclude unwanted access into the interior of the cargo management system  20 . Locking mechanism  100  can be any type of mechanical or electro-mechanical lock within the art. E.g., locking mechanism  100  can include a lock and key or an alpha-numeric keypad for selective entry. 
         [0029]    The system of  FIG. 1  further includes side panels, e.g.,  110 . Side panels  110  are positioned parallel with respect to each other and are of substantially the same configuration. Side panel  110  is attached to panel  80  at one edge and panel  90  at another edge. Panel  110  is configured to rotate or pivot with panels  80 ,  90 . Side panels rotate with respect to the side panels of the cargo bed (e.g.,  60 ) as the system moves between the stowed and extended positions. Side panel  110  includes a rounded corner  120  near the bottom of the panel. Rounded corner  120  provides several benefits to the cargo management system  20 . Rounder corner  120  eases the rotation of the system with respect to the tailgate  70  and cargo bed  50 . Rounded corner  120  also presents material cost savings. In the shown embodiment, corner  120  is rounded at an angle of 30 degrees. In other arrangements, corner  120  can be rounded at an angle that is greater than or less than 30 degrees. E.g., in one embodiment corners  120  are rounded at a 45 degree angle. 
         [0030]    The side panel  110 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , is pivotally attached to the side panels of the cargo bed, e.g.  60 , at hinge  130 . In the shown embodiment, the hinge  130  can be dampened using struts. Any type of hinge can be utilized to enable side panels  110  to pivot with respect to the cargo bed  50 . 
         [0031]    In this embodiment, panels  80 ,  90 , and  110  are composed of a polymer (or hard plastic). Panels  80 ,  90 , and  110  are formed via injection molding. Panels  80 ,  90 , and  110  can be formed, e.g., using foam or gas molding or other comparable forming techniques in the art. 
         [0032]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , the cargo bed  50  is shown with the tailgate  70  down or in an opened position. Tailgate  70  sits perpendicularly with respect to the cargo bed  50  when the tailgate is in the closed position (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and parallel with the cargo bed when in the opened position. Tailgate  70  includes a locking mechanism  140 . In the shown embodiment, the locking mechanism  140  is a lockable handle. Tailgate  70  is configured to pivot about hinge  150  of the cargo bed  50  into the opened position. When the tailgate  70  is in the opened position the contents of the cargo management system  20  can be accessed through the tailgate. 
         [0033]    Cargo management system  20 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , is configured to rotate about hinge  130 . In the shown illustration, the system  20  is rotated approximately 20 degrees with respect to the cargo bed  50 . Tailgate  70  is down or in an opened position. In the shown embodiment, the cargo management system  20  is not attached to the tailgate  70  when the tailgate is in the closed position and the system is stowed. Cargo management system  20  rotates substantially further than tailgate. E.g., while tailgate  70  rotates 90 degrees clockwise from the closed to opened position, the cargo management system  20  rotates 180 degrees clockwise from the stowed to the extended position. In other embodiments the cargo management system  20  rotates 90 degrees clockwise from the stowed to the extended position. 
         [0034]    The cargo management system  20  is shown in an extended position in  FIG. 3 . The extended position is separated by approximately 180 degrees from the stowed position (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). Cargo management  20  sits atop the tailgate  70  when in the extended position. Panel  90  is parallel with the tailgate  70  when the tailgate is in the opened position. Panel  80  is positioned perpendicularly with respect to the tailgate  70 . Rounded corner  120  is repositioned into the top portion of the cargo bed  50 . In this manner, the length of the cargo bed  50  of the truck is extendable by at least 1.8 feet. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4-6 , cargo management system  20  is configured to achieve at least two additional stowed positions (as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 ). Beginning with  FIG. 4 , there is shown a side view of the cargo bed  50  of  FIG. 1  with the cargo management system  20  in another stowed position. When the tailgate  70  is down, panel  80  can be folded toward panel  90 . Panel  80  is configured to pivot toward panel  90 . Panel  90  is substantially parallel to the cargo bed  50  and tailgate  70 . Panel  80  can change positions from being approximately perpendicular to panel  90  to abutting panel  90 , being positioned substantially parallel to panel  90 . In the shown embodiment, a hinge  160  is included at an end of panel  80  to enable panel  80  to pivot toward panel  90 . 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , panel  90  includes a latch  170  to secure panel  80  thereto when pivoted towards panel  90 . Latch  170  is configured to secure panel  80  to panel  90 . When latched together, panels  80  and  90  can rotate at least 180 with respect to the cargo bed  50 .  FIG. 5  shows panels  80 ,  90  pivoting or rotating from the stowed position of  FIG. 4  to another stowed position (as shown in  FIG. 6 ). Panels  80  and  90  are parallel with respect to each other, as shown in  FIG. 5 . Panels  80  and  90  are positioned at an angle of 20 degrees clockwise (or 160 degrees counterclockwise) with respect to the cargo bed  50 . The cargo management system  20  is configured to pivot at least 180 degrees with tailgate  70  down or opened about hinge  130 .  FIG. 6  shows panels  80  and  90  rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the cargo bed  50 . Cargo bed  50  and panels  80 ,  90  are parallel. Panels  80 ,  90  at least partially cover the cargo bed  50 , thereby providing reduced bed turbulence and improving fuel economy. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7-13 , there is another exemplary cargo management system  300  shown. The cargo management system  300  is configured to be attached to a vehicle cargo bed at an end with a tailgate. The cargo management system  300  is configured to act as a bed extender for the cargo bed. The system  300  can rotate between the cargo bed and tailgate when the tailgate is down, as shown e.g., with respect to  FIG. 3 . Cargo management system  300  provides additional coverage of the tailgate and support for cargo items when the tailgate is down. 
         [0038]    In  FIG. 7 , the cargo management system  300  is shown in a stowed position and viewed from the perspective of being inside of the cargo bed looking toward the tailgate. System  300  includes four panels  310 ,  320 ,  330  and  340 . In the shown embodiment, top panel  310  is partially covering the cargo bed  350 . Top panel  310  is positioned parallel with respect to the cargo bed  350 . Two side panels  320 ,  330  are included in the system; panels  320 ,  330  extend between the top panel  310  and the cargo bed  350 . Side panels  320 ,  330  are attached to the top panel  310 . Side panels  320 ,  330  include rounded corners  360 ,  370 , respectively. Side panels  320 ,  330  are also selectively attached to the cargo bed  350 . A rear panel  340  is also shown that is pivotally attached with respect to the top panel  310 . Rear panel  340  is configured to rotate with respect to top panel  310 . 
         [0039]    In  FIG. 8 , rear panel  340  is rotated approximately 45 degrees toward the top panel  310 . Rear panel  340  can rotate into a position that is parallel with top panel  310  and latched or fastened thereto. Access to the tailgate is accordingly provided from the interior of the cargo bed  350  with the cargo management  300  system in the stowed position. 
         [0040]    Side panels  320 ,  330 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , are selectively attached to the cargo bed  350 . Side panels  320 ,  330  further include release latches  325 ,  335  so that the cargo management system can be removed from the cargo bed. In the shown embodiment, release latches  325 ,  335  are spring mounted protrusions and are configured to engage at least one panel or surface in the cargo bed  350 . 
         [0041]      FIGS. 9 and 10 , illustrate end views of the cargo management system  300  when the rear panel  340  is down and up, respectively.  FIG. 9  shows the system with the rear panel  340  extended perpendicularly with respect to the top panel  310 .  FIG. 10  shows the rear panel  340  rotated toward the top panel  310 . The cargo bed  350 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , is accessible from the rear of the vehicle when the tailgate is down or in an opened position. 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11-13 , rear panel  340  is hinged at  380  to pivot with respect to the top panel  310 . In  FIG. 11 , panel  340  is shown down. Top panel  310  includes a latch  390 . Latch  390  is configured to secure the panel  340  when rotated about hinge  380 . A hinge  380  is included in each side panel ( 320 ,  330  as shown in  FIGS. 5-8 ). Latch  390  is releasable (as shown in  FIG. 11 ) to enable panel  340  to pivot downward or perpendicularly with respect to the cargo bed. 
         [0043]    Top panel  310  is also configured to pivot or rotate with respect to the cargo bed  350 . Side panels  320 ,  330  include a hinge comparable to hinge  380 . Top panel  310  can selectively rotate into an opened and closed position to enable access to the interior of the cargo management system. Rear panel  340  includes a latch  400  (as shown in  FIG. 12 ) to secure the top panel  310  to rear panel when the top panel is rotated downward. In one embodiment, top panel  310  includes a locking mechanism (e.g.,  100  as shown with respect to the cargo management system  20  of  FIG. 1 ) to secure top panel  310  with respect to the side panels  320 ,  330 . 
         [0044]    In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 13 , rear panel  340  is selectively configured to move with the tailgate  345 . Tailgate  345  is configured to rotate about two points. Tailgate  345  can pivot downward into a position that is in line with the cargo bed  350 . Tailgate  345  can also pivot with rear panel  340  toward top panel  310  about hinge  365  so that the tailgate is flush with respect to top panel, as shown. Top panel  310  includes an adjustable latch  405  to selectively secure the rear panel  340  and tailgate  345  therein. Latch  405  can be a sliding latch configured to adjust longitudinally to a shorter configuration when securing panel  340  therein and an elongated position when securing panel  340  and tailgate  345  therein. In another embodiment, side panels include latches (e.g.,  325  and  335  as shown in  FIGS. 7-8 ) to secure the rear panel  340  and tailgate  345  in an upward position. Tailgate  345  includes a switch  355  to enable selective engagement with hinge  365  or to enable upward pivoting. In the shown embodiment, hinges  380  and  365  are included in the side panels  320 ,  330 . In another embodiment, side panels  320 ,  330  include a latch, similar to latch  405 , to secure the rear panel  340  and tailgate  345  in the upward position. 
         [0045]    The panels and panels of the cargo management systems can be configured to manually deploy or automatically deploy. In the shown embodiment, panels are composed of a polymer (or hard plastic). Panels are formed via injection molding. Panels can be formed, e.g., using foam/gas molding or other comparable forming techniques in the art. 
         [0046]    For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, percentages or proportions, and other numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description or claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. 
         [0047]    It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an,” and “the,” include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. Thus, for example, reference to “a panel” includes two or more different panels. As used herein, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items. 
         [0048]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the methodologies of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of its teachings. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the teachings disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only. 
         [0049]    While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.