Tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system

The present disclosure relates to a collapsible storage system that may be mounted in a fixed position and attached to the vehicle using its tailgate without the use of any tools. The collapsible storage system may be used to securely store items in the bed of a pickup truck while in use and may be collapsed into a configuration that reduces the amount of space in the truck bed that the storage box occupies while it is not in use. The collapsible storage system may be mounted a diverse array of different trucks and other vehicles having tailgates and may be installed and uninstalled without the use of tools.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to storage systems for use with vehicles having tailgates. More specifically, the present disclosure teaches how to make and use a collapsible storage system that can be secured to the tailgate of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pickup truck owners have limited options when it comes to securely storing items in the bed of their truck in order to protect any such items from theft or inclement weather. Generally, the primary means for securely storing items in a truck's bed include the use of either a truck bed cover or a storage box that sits up against the cabin of the truck. Truck bed covers cover the entirety of a trucks bed and therefore do not allow for easy unsecured storage of items in the bed of the truck while the cover is in use. Additionally, truck bed covers place a literal ceiling on the volume that may be transported inside of a truck's bed during their use. Traditional truck storage boxes do allow for easy unsecured storage of items in a truck bed while providing for he secured storage of items within the storage box; however, their positioning proximate the truck's cabin and across the entire length of the truck's bed from the tailgate, results in it being difficult to easily access the contents securely stored inside of such traditional storage boxes. Furthermore, such traditional truck bed storage boxes are rigid containers that can take up a not insignificant portion of the storage volume provided by the bed of the truck whether or not there is anything being securely stored in the storge box.

Additionally, many truck bed covers and traditional truck storage boxes are designed so as to only be compatible with particular makes/models of trucks, or require tools to be installed or uninstalled.

Accordingly, there is the need for a secure storage system that allows for easy access to the contents securely stored inside of it while simultaneously permitting items to be stored in the truck's bed in an unsecured manner; which allows for the minimization of truck bed volume required by the secure storage system when it is not actively being used; which is agnostic as to the make/model of the truck in which it is to be used; and does not require the use of any tool(s) to install or uninstall.

While the present document may discus the use of the system herein in reference to “trucks” and “truck beds” it should be understood that the tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system taught herein may operate with any vehicle that has a tailgate and body having surfaces suitable for mounting using the interface surface discussed hereinbelow, and is not limited to be limited to use with trucks.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to storage systems for use in vehicles having tailgates. More specifically, the present disclosure teaches how to make and use a collapsible storage system that can be secured to a tailgate.

The storage systems described herein provide advantages over relevant art by (i) providing a system that is agnostic as to the make or model of the truck into which it is being installed; (ii) does not require the use of any tool(s) to install or uninstall from the bed of a truck; (iii) is easily accessible due to its mounting location proximate the tailgate of the truck in which the system is installed; (iv) allows for access to the unsecured portion of a truck's bed while in use; and (v) may be collapsed in order to minimize the amount of the truck bed's storage space monopolized by the system when it is not in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Reference now should be made to the drawings, in which the same reference numbers are used throughout the different figures to designate the same components.

FIGS. 1-11 and 27-29Bdepict a first embodiment of a tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system in accordance with embodiments, namely tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100.

FIG. 1provides an exploded view of the embodiment of a of a tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100presented inFIGS. 1-11 and 27-29B. Tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100may comprise top panel102, side panels106A and106B, back panel108, bottom panel110, a plurality of hinges114, a plurality of latches116, handles118, seals120, mounting systems112, and pouches128.

A top edge of back panel108may be configured to mechanically engage with a back portion of top panel102. A top edge of each side panel106A and106B may be configured to mechanically engage with a side portion of top panel102on each of its respective sides.

A bottom edge of back panel108may be configured to mechanically engage with a back portion of bottom panel110. A bottom edge of each side panel106A and106B may be configured to mechanically engage with a side portion of bottom panel110.

A first side portion of back panel108may be configured to mechanically engage with a back edge of a first side panel106A, while a second side portion of back panel108may be configured to mechanically engage with a back edge of a second side panel106B. Side panels106A and106B may be positioned opposite one another in a mirrored configuration.

To facilitate such mechanical engagement between the body panels of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100in embodiments the top panel102and/or bottom panel110may comprise one or more slots configured to receive and secure an edge portion of one or more of the lateral body panels (side panels, and front and back panels) recessed into their inner surface. Tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100may use such slots, with the body panels of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100operating as tabs, to allow for tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100to be configured into its expanded configuration through slot-and-tab assembly.

In embodiments, when tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100is in its expanded configuration, portions of top panel102, bottom panel110, and side panels106A and106B may be arranged such that there is an aperture formed therebetween that allows for access into the interior volume of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100defined by its constituent body panels (top panel102, side panels106A and106B, back panel108, and bottom panel110). To reduce the exposure of the interior volume of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100to the elements, embodiments of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100may comprise one or more seals120attached around the edges of the aperture formed by top panel102, bottom panel110, and side panels106A and106B. Tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100may be positioned such that when the tailgate of the vehicle into which collapsible storage system100is mounted is closed the inner surface of the tailgate interfaces with seals120in order to form a seal between the inner surface of the closed tailgate and the panels that form the aperture in tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100.

In embodiments, one or more of the edges of one or more of collapsible storage system100body panels (top panel102, side panels106A and106B, back panel108, and bottom panel110) may comprise one or more tabs designed to interlock with associated tabs from an adjacent body panel, or slots cast into the adjacent body panel, to provide for additional structural rigidity and stability of collapsible storage system100while it is in its expanded configuration.

Tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100100may additionally comprise one or more mounting systems112. Mounting system112may comprise an arm122, a security hinge124, and a interface surfance126. A proximal end of arm122may be mechanically affixed to bottom panel110. Security hinge124may be attached to the distal end of arm122and may extend between said distal end of arm122and interface surfance126. Interface surfance126may be used to form a mechanical friction fit between collapsible storage system100and the bed of a truck.

Embodiments of collapsible storage system100may comprise a handle118mechanically affixed to and extending from an external surface of a front portion of a lip formed by top panel102, and a handle118mechanically affixed to and extending from an external surface of a front portion of a lip formed by bottom panel110. In such embodiments, each of the handles118may be a half-handle, which may be positioned and configured such that they meet to form a single handle when collapsible storage system100is in a collapsed configuration.

Embodiments of collapsible storage system100may comprise one or more latches116for securing top panel102to bottom panel110when collapsible storage system100is in a collapsed configuration. For example, collapsible storage system100may comprise one or more latches116, wherein a portion of latch116is located on an exterior surface of a lip formed by each of top panel102and bottom panel110such that the two portions of latch116are aligned vertically with one another such that they may be disengagably engaged together when the system100is collapsed.

Embodiments of collapsible storage system100may comprise any number of seals, such as seal120, as may be required to make collapsible storage system100suitably weather resistant. Seals may be positioned at locations such as the junction between the various body panels of collapsible storage system100(i.e., top panel102, side panels106A and106B, back panel108, and bottom panel110).

Embodiments of collapsible storage system100may comprise one or more pouches, which may be mounted to an interior surface of one or more of the side panels106A and106B.

FIG. 2provides a front-perspective view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100while in its expanded configuration.

FIG. 3provides a front view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100while in its expanded configuration.

FIG. 4provides a back view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100while in its expanded configuration.

FIG. 5provides a right-side view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100while in its expanded configuration. Side panel106A can be seen extending between top panel102and bottom panel110. One or both of top panel102and bottom panel110may comprise a lip, such as lip111, which may be formed about the edge of the panel. One or more of the mounting systems112, the latch116and the handle118may be attached to a lip portion of the top panel102and the bottom panel110. Mounting system112can be seen extending from a lip portion of bottom panel110.

As seen inFIG. 5, latch116may comprise a top latch portion116A, which may be attached to a lip portion of top panel102; and a bottom latch portion116B, which may be attached to a lip portion of bottom panel110. Top latch portion116A and bottom latch portion116B may be positioned such that they become aligned and abut one another when tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100is in its collapsed configuration. When top latch portion116A and bottom latch portion116B are aligned and abutting they form latch116, which may be used to secure affix top panel102to bottom panel110while the system100is in its collapsed configuration. In embodiments, latch116may be located on one or both sides of system110having side panels106.

Similarly, as seen inFIG. 5, handle118may comprise a top half-handle118A and a bottom half-handle118B, which may each be affixed to the respective lips of the respective top and bottom panels (102,110). Top half-handle118A and bottom half-handle118B may be positioned such that they become aligned and abut one another when tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100is in its collapsed configuration. When Top half-handle118A and bottom half-handle118B are aligned and abutting they form handle118, which may be used to easily transport the tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100by hand when necessary or desirable. Additionally, embodiments of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage systems which use a paired set of half-handles, such as system100, provide added benefit by ensuring that the system does not expand from its collapsed configuration to its expanded configuration during manual transport. This is because, in such embodiments, the act gripping grip118will help hold the top panel102next to bottom panel110and thereby keep the system in its collapsed configuration.

In embodiments, handle118, or portions thereof may be affixed to any suitable body panel(s) to allow for easy manual transport of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100while it is in its collapsed configuration.

FIG. 6provides a top view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100.

FIG. 7provides a bottom view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100. Bottom panel110may have one or more pads136affixed to its bottom surface in order to pad the interface between tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100and the truck bed into which it may be installed. Pads, like pad136, may help to reduce any wear-and-tear that may occur due to physical interaction between the system and the vehicle to which the system may be mounted. They may also assist with the dampening of any sound or other undesirable vibrations generated by the collapsible storage system and or its interaction with a vehicle.

One or more mounting systems112may be connected to base plate110and extend laterally therefrom.

FIG. 8provides a front-perspective view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100when it is in its collapsed configuration. As can be seen in this figure when the system100is in the collapsed configuration top panel102and bottom panel110abut each other. Additionally, top half-handle118A and bottom half-handle118B can be seen aligning with and abutting one another to form handle118. Mounting systems112can still be seen extending from each lateral side of bottom plate110while the system100is in its collapsed configuration.

FIG. 9provides a back-perspective view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100when it is in its collapsed configuration.

FIG. 10provides a right-side view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100while in its collapsed configuration.

FIG. 11provides an exploded view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100with its constituent parts shown stacked in a manner designed to illustrate the way in which the panels may be separated and arranged to enable reconfiguration of the system into its collapsed configuration. More specifically, as can be viewed inFIG. 11, tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100may be transitioned from its expanded configuration as depicted inFIG. 2to its collapsed configuration as depicted inFIG. 8by first removing its lateral body panels, namely side panels106A and106B and back panel108, from their slot-and-tab interfacing with top panel102and bottom panel110. Once the lateral body panels have been separated from the top panel102, the bottom panel110, and each other, they may be stacked flat on top of each other in between top panel102and bottom panel110. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 11, back panel108may be laid down on the inner surface of bottom panel110, and then side panels106A and106B may then be laid flat on top of back panel108. Finally, top panel102may be set atop bottom panel110such that the lateral body panels are enclosed thereby. Latch portions116A and116B may then be used to secure top panel102to bottom panel110for manual transport and/or storage.

FIGS. 12-23 and 30A-32Bdepict an alternate embodiment of a tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system in accordance with embodiments, namely tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200.

FIG. 12provides an exploded view of the embodiment of a of a tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200presented inFIGS. 12-23 and 30A-32B. Tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200may comprise top panel202, front panel204, side panels206A and206B, back panel208, bottom panel210, divider panel232, release230, handle218, and a plurality of hinges214, seals220, mounting systems112, and pouches228.

The configuration of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200is like that of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100with a few modifications. For example, tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200additionally comprises front panel204. Front panel204may comprise upper front panel204A and lower front panel204B, which may be foldably connected via a hinge214. similarly, back panel208of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200may comprise upper back panel208A and lower back panel208B, which may be foldably connected via a hinge214. By including a hinged seam in each of front panel204and back panel208tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200may be capable of reducing to an even smaller volume than tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100when in its collapsed configuration and may do so while remaining connected as a single piece instead of being separated into multiple discrete pieces as is necessary for the collapse of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100.

One or more releases230may be included in tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200. Release230may be mounted into a portion of either top panel202or bottom panel210and may be configured such that actuation of release230may enable the transition of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200from its collapsed configuration into its expanded configuration. In embodiments, release230may be a portion of a latch, similar to latch116, wherein a portion of the latch is affixed to top panel202and a portion of the latch is affixed to bottom panel210. In such embodiments, actuation of release230may disengage the latch coupling top panel202to bottom panel210and thereby release the connection therebetween to allow for reconfiguration of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200into its expanded configuration.

FIG. 13provides a front-perspective view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200while in its expanded configuration. From the view provided, one can see that embodiment of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage systems, including tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200, may comprise one or more divider panel(s)232. In such embodiments, one or more of top panel202, front panel204, back panel208, and/or bottom panel210may comprise one or more slot(s)234formed into an interior surface thereof (similar to the one or more slots from collapsible storage system100, which may provide for slot-and-tab assembly of the system100). Slot234may be configured to receive and mechanically retain a portion of divider panel232. Therefore, when tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200is in its expanded configuration a user may removably insert a portion of divider panel232with slot234and in order to create separately divided areas within the interior volume of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200. The relative size of such areas formed by use of a divider panel232may vary depending on the particular location of slot234into which divider panel232is placed.

FIG. 14provides a front view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200while in its expanded configuration.

FIG. 15provides a back view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200in its expanded configuration. Upper back panel108A and lower back panel208B can be seen aligned vertically along hinge214to form back panel208. Top panel202shows much less lip than its counterpart from tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100. In system200, hinge214A can be seen foldably connecting upper back panel208A to top panel202. On the side opposite of its connection to top panel202, upper back panel208A is foldably connected to lower back panel208B by hinge214B. On the side opposite of its connection to upper back panel208A, lower back panel208B is foldably connected to bottom panel210by a hinge, but inFIG. 15that connection point is occluded by the lip211portion of bottom panel210. A plurality of pads236can be seen extending from the bottom surface of bottom plate210. Mounting systems212can be seen extending by their respective arms122from opposing sides of bottom plate210.

FIG. 16provides a left-side view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200in its expanded configuration. This figure provides an excellent view of the two-part front and back panels (204and208, respectively). In embodiments like that of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200, one or more of the system's lateral body panels (i.e., front panel204, back panel208, and side panels206A and206B) may be divided into more than one section with hinges foldably connecting such sections. This may be done in order to enable the tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system to fold into a smaller volume when in its collapsed configuration. In such embodiments, when the system is in its expanded configuration, the constituent hinged panel sections forming the system's lateral body panels are unfolded so that they stack on top of one another edge-to-edge in order to effectively form a single panel. The beginning of this stacked configuration of panel sections can be seen inFIG. 23.

Referring back toFIG. 16, front panel204can be seen to be formed of upper front panel204A whose bottom edge is stacked edge-to-edge on the top edge of lower front panel204B. Upper front panel204A and lower front panel204B are connected along their point of edge-to-edge stacking by hinge214. Similarly, back panel208can be seen to be formed of upper back panel208A whose bottom edge is tacked edge-to-edge on the top edge of lower back panel208B, and upper back panel208A and lower back panel208B are connected along their point of edge-to-edge stacking by hinge214. In embodiments, side panels206may be attached to bottom panel210by a hinge (not visible) while the top side of side panels206may be attached to top panel202in a slot-and-tab manner. The hinges connecting side panels206to bottom panel210may enable side walls206to be folded inward once disconnected from top plate202.

As is visible in the view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200depicted inFIG. 16, embodiments of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage systems may have their lateral body panels (i.e., front panel104, side panels206A and206B, and back panel208) attached to top panel202and the bottom panel210at any suitable location. The body panels do not have to be attached to the top and bottom panels at the very edge of the top and bottom panels. In fact, in many instances this is not ideal. For example, in many embodiments one or both of the top panel and the bottom panel comprise a lip that extends about the edge of said panel. In such embodiments, it may be advantageous to connect the lateral body panels to the top and bottom panels along locations within the lip so that when the lateral body panels fold down during the process of transitioning the system from its expanded configuration to its collapsed configurations those lateral body panels are retained entirely within a volume formed by the top panel, the bottom panel, and their respective lip(s). Such embodiments have the added benefit of reducing the likelihood of exposed folding parts pinching a user or getting snagged on objects while the system is in its collapsed configuration, such as for manual transport.

FIG. 17provides a top view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200.

FIG. 18provides a bottom view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200.

FIG. 19provides a front-perspective view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200while it is in its collapsed configuration. It is apparent from this figure that top panel202from system200comprises a significantly smaller lip than its counterpart, top panel102from system100. This FIG also provides a good view of release230, which may be actuated to disengage latch (not shown) affixing top panel202to bottom panel210.

FIG. 20provides a back-perspective view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200while it is in its collapsed configuration.

FIG. 21provides a left-side view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200while it is in its collapsed configuration.

Embodiments of the tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system may be configured to be transitionable between an expanded configuration, as may be seen inFIGS. 2-5 and 13-16, wherein the front, side, and back panels are positioned in between, and roughly orthogonal to, each of the top panel and the bottom panel; and a collapsed configuration, as shown inFIGS. 8-10 and 19-21, wherein the front, side and back panels are positioned in between, and roughly parallel to, each of the top panel and the bottom panel.

FIG. 22provides a front-perspective view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200as it is beginning to transition from its expanded configuration to its collapsed configuration. Side panels206A and206B can be seen having been disconnected from respective attachments to top panel202and in the process of rotating inwards and downwards along the hinges (not shown) connecting the bottom edge of each of side panels206A and206B to their respective ends of bottom panel210. Any divider panels in use, such as divider panel232, may be removed from their respective slot(s)234(and any other corresponding slots in other body panels) and may be flat stacked along with side panels206A and206B.

FIG. 23provides a front-perspective view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200further along in the process of being collapsed. When tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200is being collapsed, after side panels206A and206B and any divider panel(s) are laid flat on top of the inner surface of the bottom panel210, front panel204and rear panel208may be folded in on themselves. Upper front panel204A and upper back panel208A may both swing up and in about the hinges (not shown) that attach them to top panel202, while at the same time, lower front panel204B and lower back panel208B may both swing down and in about the hinges (not shown) that attach them to bottom panel210. Hinges214between each of the segmented body panels may be pushed inward and may rotate allowing upper front panel204A to stack on lower front panel204B and upper back panel208A to stack on lower back panel208B as top panel202translates downward to come to rest on bottom panel210as tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200finishes being transitioned to its collapsed configuration (visible inFIG. 19-21).

As stated above, the general goal when collapsing a tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system, such as either tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100or tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200, is to have it so that the system's lateral body panels, namely the side panels, back panel, and front panel (if present), transition from being positioned substantially orthogonal to the top panel and the bottom panel, to being positioned substantially parallel to, and between, the top panel and the bottom panel.

When the tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system is in its expanded configuration, the interior volume of the tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system, as defined by the boxes body panels, is maximized so that a user can use that interior volume to store materials. When the collapsible storage system is in the collapsed configuration, the lateral panels of the foldable storage box system (the front panel, side panels, and back panel) are folded down, into the interior volume of the storage box system so that the top and bottom panels may abut one another, thereby reducing the interior volume of the system. While a user may not be able to store much if any materials in the tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system while it is in its collapsed configuration, the reduced volume afforded by the collapsed configuration may provide for easier transport and storage of the tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system while it is not in use.

FIG. 24provides an exploded view of mounting system112for mounting an un-mounting a tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system to a vehicle using the vehicle's tailgate. As discussed hereinabove, the embodiment of a system for mounting an un-mounting a tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system to a vehicle using the vehicle's tailgate depicted as mounting system112may comprise arm122, security hinge124, and interface surface126. A proximal end of arm122may be affixed to a body panel of a tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system and may be configured to be retractably extended therefrom. A distal end of arm122may be connected to security hinge124. Security hinge124may be hingeably connected to arm122by pin123. Interface surface126may be fixedly attached to security hinge124at its end opposite pin123. Pin123may allow for security hinge124and interface surface126to rotate about the long axis of pin123.

FIG. 25provides a front-perspective view of mounting system112.

FIG. 26provides a top view of mounting system112. This perspective provides for a good view of how, in embodiments, arm122and interface surface126of mounting system112can be positioned substantially parallel to one another with security hinge124connecting them together.

In embodiments, security hinge124may be shaped as necessary so that it may possess the geometry necessary to get interface surface126into a suitable position for being wedged between any particular type, brand, or model of vehicle and the vehicle's tailgate when it is closed, or any other suitable shape for its purposes.

While the embodiments of the tailgate-mounted collapsible storage systems depicted in the associated FIGS comprise mounting systems that comprise an arm, a security hinge, and an interface surface, alternate embodiments may comprise interface surfaces that are connected to one or more of the body panels (top, side, back, front, and bottom panels) by alternate or additional structural elements. Embodiment of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system, may comprise alternate mounting systems, including mounting system systems

FIG. 27Ashows tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100sitting in the bed of vehicle300while tailgate304of vehicle300is in an open position. Tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100is set in the bed of vehicle300such that it is located proximate the inner surface of tailgate304when it is in its closed position. With tailgate304in its open position, as seen inFIG. 27A, a set of interface pads126from tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100can be seen positioned such that a front surface of each interface pad126is facing outwards while a back surface of each interface pad126is abutting vehicle mounting surface302. In embodiments, mounting surface302may be any suitable surface which is rigid, rigidly attached to vehicle300, and located in a position proximate a surface of tailgate304when it is in its closed position.

Using a mounting system, like mounting system112, wherein interface surface126is placed between the tailgate304and vehicle300(at tailgate mounting surface306and vehicle mounting surface302, respectively) while tailgate304is in its open position, then shutting tailgate304to cause interface surface126to become trapped between tailgate mounting surface306and vehicle mounting surface302in an interference fit type mechanical coupling, means that no tools are required to install or uninstall a tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system a vehicle. Instead, securely installing and uninstalling a tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system simply requires opening and/or shutting the vehicle's tailgate.

While the embodiments of the mounting systems depicted in the associated FIGS comprise interface surfaces that are configured to be mounted in between an interior surface of a tailgate and a rear surface of the frame of a vehicle at a set of corresponding points on the left and right rear of the vehicle, it should be understood that a person having ordinary skill in the relevant art would understand that alternate designs of interference plates and mounting systems may provide for the interference plate to be secured between the tailgate and the vehicle's body at different positions and against various suitably interfacing surfaces.

In embodiments, the front panel of a tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system may have an opening to allow for access into the interior volume of the tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system. In certain embodiments, when installed in a vehicle, when the tailgate is moved from its open to its closed position, sandwiching the interface surface between the vehicle mounting surface and the tailgate mounting surface and locking the system in place, the tailgate may form a seal around the opening in the front panel with the front panel such that the interior volume of the tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system is no longer accessible. Essentially, in embodiments, the tailgate of the vehicle may operate as a door to the tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system.

FIG. 27Bshows a zoomed-in view of the location where mounting system112interfaces with vehicle300and the tailgate304to secure tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100to vehicle300while tailgate304is in its open position. This view allows for a better look at vehicle mounting surface302, tailgate mounting surface306, and how interface surface126of mounting system112may be positioned relative to vehicle mounting surface302, and tailgate mounting surface306to allow for secure instillation of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100into vehicle300by simply closing tailgate304. As much of the back surface of interface surface126should be abutting the vehicle mounting surface302as possible to achieve a secure instillation of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100.

In embodiments, one or both of interface surface126and security hinge124may be thin to allow for those pieces to be inserted in between closely fitting surfaces vehicle and tailgate surfaces.

FIG. 28shows tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100installed in the bed of vehicle300with tailgate304in its closed position, locking tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100in place. As seen inFIG. 28, when fully installed in a vehicle tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100is positioned proximate tailgate304, rather than proximate the opposite side of the vehicle's bed where the majority of know vehicle storage systems tend to be located.

FIG. 29Ashows an alternate view of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100installed in the bed of vehicle300with tailgate304in its closed position, locking tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100in place. In this mounting system112can be seen extending from tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100and being locked between vehicle300and tailgate304.

FIG. 29Bshows a zoomed-in view of the location where mounting system112interfaces with vehicle300and tailgate304to secure tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100to vehicle300while tailgate304is in its closed position. Arm122can be seen extending from tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100. Safety hinge124can be seen as angled so as to place interface surface126in an appropriate position as to be located in between vehicle300at vehicle mounting surface302and tailgate304at tailgate mounting surface306. With tailgate304being in its closed position, this FIG shows a portion of interface surface126extending beyond vehicle mounting surface302, with the remaining occluded portion of interface surface126being in active interference fit lock between vehicle300and tailgate304.

Arm122of mounting system112may be affixed at a first end to a panel of the tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system100. In embodiments, arm122may be extendible, or may translate into and out of a portion of the panel onto which arm122is affixed to allow for mounting system112to adapt to a variety of different vehicles and tailgate sizes. A second end of arm122may be attached to security hinge124. Security hinge124may extend between the distal end of arm122and interface surface126. Security hinge124may provide for movement of interface surface126about an axis relative to its connection with arm122. Interface surface126is configured to be positioned between a vehicle mounting surface302, which may be located on the rear-end of vehicle300, and tailgate mounting surface306when tailgate300is in the closed position.

By closing tailgate304while interface surface126is positioned abutting vehicle mounting surface302a user can lock a tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system in place by creating an interference lock between tailgate304, interface surface126, and vehicle300by sandwiching interface surface126between vehicle mounting surface302and tailgate mounting surface306, and latching tailgate304in place, as during normal operation while in its closed position.

FIG. 30Ashows tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200set in the bed of vehicle300covered by bedcover308with tailgate304in its open position. Tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200is set in the bed of vehicle300such that it is located proximate the inner surface of tailgate304when it is in its closed position. With tailgate304in its open position, a set of interface pads126from tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200can be seen positioned such that a front surface of each interface pad126is facing outwards while a back surface of each interface pad126is abutting vehicle mounting surface302.

FIG. 30Bshows a zoomed-in view of the location where mounting system112interfaces with vehicle300and the tailgate to secure tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200to vehicle300while the tailgate is in its open position.

FIG. 31Ashows the bed of vehicle300with bedcover308with a cutout showing tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200installed in the bed of vehicle300with tailgate304in its closed position.

FIG. 31Bshows a zoomed-in view of the location where mounting system112interfaces with vehicle300and the tailgate to secure tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200to vehicle300while the tailgate is in its closed position.

FIG. 32Ashows a top view of the bed of vehicle300with bedcover308with a cutout showing an embodiment of tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200installed in the bed of vehicle300with tailgate304in its closed position.

FIG. 32Bshows a zoomed-in view showing how an interface surface portion of a mounting system may be sandwiched between vehicle300at vehicle mounting surface302and tailgate304at tailgate mounting surface306when tailgate304is in its closed position, securing tailgate-mounted collapsible storage system200to vehicle300.