Tailgate storage compartment

A tailgate includes a first panel, a second panel connected to the first panel at a first side and a second side opposite to the first side as well as a cavity defined by the first panel and the second panel. An opening defined by the first panel between the first side and the second side, provides access to the cavity. A storage compartment is positioned in the cavity. A latching mechanism, located within the cavity and outside of the storage compartment, includes a latch, a first latch actuator, and an actuator rod connecting the latch and the latch actuator, which is affixed to the first side of the tailgate. A compartment door, connected to the tailgate and movable between a first and second position, covers the storage compartment in a first position. The compartment door includes a striker, which is engage-able by the latch.

INTRODUCTION

The present disclosure relates to a tailgate storage compartment.

In-cab storage provides a place to store items securely within pick-ups trucks; such spaces may include center consoles, glove compartments, and under-seat storage. However, pick-up trucks may lack conveniently accessible, secure storage outside of the cab for items such as tools, gloves, or vehicle accessories. To provide secure storage space, bed mounted tool boxes may be utilized. In addition, various tailgate storage solutions have also been introduced.

Yet, storage solutions that take up volume in the pick-up box bed may interfere with storing other items in the pick-up box bed. In addition, storage solutions may utilize locks or latches that are located in places where they are easily seen. When not concealed, locks or latches may lack a desirable level of security. Further, if latching mechanisms are located within the storage compartment itself, the latching mechanisms may become jammed by items within the storage compartment.

Thus, while current storage compartments may achieve their intended purpose, there is a need for a new and improved system and method for providing exterior storage compartments.

SUMMARY

According to several aspects, a tailgate includes a first panel and a second panel connected to the first panel at a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The tailgate also includes a cavity defined by the first panel and the second panel. The tailgate further includes an opening defined by the first panel, between the first side of the tailgate and the second side of the tailgate, the opening providing access to the cavity. The tailgate yet further includes a storage compartment, wherein the storage compartment is positioned in the cavity. In addition, the tailgate includes a latching mechanism located within the cavity and outside of the storage compartment. The latching mechanism includes a latch, an actuator rod, and a first latch actuator, wherein the actuator rod connects the latch and the latch actuator and the first latch actuator is affixed to the first side of the tailgate. In addition, the tailgate further includes a compartment door connected to the tailgate and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when in the first position, the storage compartment is covered by the compartment door. The compartment door includes a striker, wherein the striker is engage-able by the latch.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the tailgate storage compartment includes a pocket defined by the storage compartment, wherein the latch is at least partially located in the pocket.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the first side and the second side of the tailgate are formed from the first panel.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the tailgate further includes a latch mounting bracket, wherein the latch mounting bracket is affixed to the first panel.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the latch is affixed to the latch mounting bracket.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the first latch actuator includes a pull lever latch actuator or a push-button actuator.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the push-button actuator configured to engage the actuator rod when pushed.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the first latch actuator is lockable.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the compartment door includes a steel reinforcement panel.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the reinforcement panel includes a recessed track and a seal sits in the recessed track.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the storage compartment includes a flange and the flange rests on a surface of the first panel.

According to several aspects, a tailgate including a first panel and a second panel connected to the first panel at a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The tailgate also includes a cavity defined by the first panel and the second panel. The tailgate yet also includes an opening in the first panel, between the first side and the second side of the tailgate, the opening providing access to the cavity. The tailgate further includes a storage compartment, wherein the storage compartment is located within the cavity and defines a storage volume. In addition, the tailgate includes a compartment door connected to the tailgate and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when in the first position, the storage compartment is covered by the compartment door. The tailgate yet further includes a latching mechanism attached to the first panel within the cavity and outside of the storage compartment, the latching mechanism including a latch, a latch actuator fixed to a first side of the tailgate and an actuator rod connecting the latch to the latch actuator.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the length of the storage compartment is greater than the length of the opening.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the storage compartment includes a flange, wherein the flange wraps over the opening.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, an upper trim panel extends from the flange and the upper trim panel is affixed to a surface of the first panel opposing the cavity.

According to several aspects, a pick-up box bed includes a base and at least two side walls extending from the base. The pick-up bed box further includes a tailgate connected to the base, the tailgate moveable between a closed position and an open position. The tailgate includes a first panel and a second panel connected to the first panel at a first side and a second side. The first side and the second side are concealed by the two side walls when the tailgate is in the closed position, and the first side and the second side are exposed when the tailgate is in the open position. The tailgate further includes a cavity defined by the first panel and the second panel and an opening defined by the first panel, between the first side of the tailgate and a second side of the tailgate, the opening providing access to the cavity. The tailgate also includes a storage compartment including a flange. The storage compartment is positioned in the cavity and the flange rests against a surface of the first panel opposing the cavity. The tailgate yet further includes a compartment door connected to the tailgate and movable between an open position and closed position, wherein when in a first position the storage compartment is covered by the compartment door. In addition, the tailgate includes a latching mechanism located within the cavity and outside of the storage compartment. The latching mechanism includes a latch, a latch actuator, and an actuator rod connecting the latch to the latch actuator, wherein the latch engages the compartment door when the compartment door is in the closed position.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the tailgate further includes an upper trim panel extending from the flange.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the upper trim panel is retained by an upper tailgate trim piece.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the tailgate further includes a tailgate lock, wherein the tailgate lock is distal to the pick-up bed box base relative to the latching mechanism.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the compartment door and upper trim panel extend the full width and length of a face of the tailgate between the first side and the second side of the tailgate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a tailgate storage compartment that is located within a tailgate cavity. The storage compartment includes a latching mechanism that is external to the storage compartment but still within the tailgate cavity. In aspects, the storage compartment latching actuators are concealable when the tailgate is closed and may further be lockable separate from locking of the tailgate. In addition, the storage compartment may include an upper trim panel. The upper trim panel and the compartment door may cover a face of the tailgate, which may assist in reducing the visibility of the storage compartment.

Referring toFIG. 1, the figure illustrates an embodiment of a tailgate100having a tailgate storage compartment102. The tailgate100is illustrated with an exemplary pick-up truck101. The pick-up truck101includes a pick-up bed box103. The tailgate100is pivotally connected to the pick-up truck101and movable between a first, closed position to close the pick-up bed box103, to a second, open position to open the pick-up bed box103. Various items104may be stored within the volume V defined by the storage compartment102. A compartment door108, which is illustrated as being in an opened position, is pivotally connected to the tailgate100. The compartment door108selectively closes the storage compartment102and volume V therein. Further, FIG. depicts the storage compartment102including a flange110surrounding the periphery of the storage compartment. In this aspect, an upper trim panel111extends from the upper edge114of the flange110. It may be appreciated, however, that in other aspects, the upper trim panel111may be provided as a separate component from the storage compartment102, or the upper trim panel111may be omitted altogether.FIG. 2illustrates an aspect of the tailgate storage compartment102(not seen) where the compartment door108is in the closed position.

The storage compartment102may be formed of metal or a polymer material. In the case of a polymer material, the storage compartment may be formed of a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer, such for example, but not limited to, as a thermoplastic olefin (TPO), sheet moulding compound (SMC), polyethylene copolymer, polyurethane, or polyurethane copolymer. In one aspect, the same material may be applied to the bed liner106, the upper trim panel111(if provided separately), or both.

FIG. 3illustrates cross-section A-A (seeFIG. 2) of an aspect of the tailgate100. In this aspect, the tailgate100includes a first panel120, a second panel122, and a cavity124defined by the first panel120and the second panel122. The second panel122is affixed to the first panel120either directly or indirectly; however, in the aspect illustrated, the second panel122is directly affixed to the first panel120, wherein the edges of the second panel122are crimped around the first panel120. Further, in the illustrated aspect, the first panel120provides an interior face190of the tailgate100, which faces the pick-up bed box103. The first panel120also provides the sides116,118of the tailgate100, which are concealed when the tailgate100is closed. In alternative aspects, the sides116,118of the tailgate100may be provided by additional panels.

The first panel120defines an opening128, which provides access to the cavity124. The flange110is connected to the first panel120such that the storage compartment102is positioned within the cavity124and the flange110rests on a surface132of the first panel, which opposes the cavity124. The flange110surrounds all, or a portion, of a perimeter129of the storage compartment102. In aspects, the storage compartment102is affixed to the first panel120by, for example, mechanical fasteners affixed at the flange, or an interference fit between the storage compartment102and the opening128defined by the first panel120. In the illustrated aspect, the second panel122provides the exterior face192of the tailgate100, which faces away from the pick-up bed box103.

Referring toFIG. 4, which is a cross-section B-B (seeFIG. 2) of the tailgate100taken near the center of the tailgate100, the figure illustrates an aspect where the storage compartment102exhibits a length Lcthat is greater than the length Loof the opening128. It may be appreciated, however, that in alternative aspects, the length Lcof the storage compartment102may be the same as or less than the length Loof the opening128. Further, as alluded to above, it should be appreciated that the flange110of the storage compartment102overlaps the opening128, resting on the surface132of the first panel120and may, to some degree, support the storage compartment102in the opening128. In the aspect illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the flange110, proximal to the base126of the tailgate100, wraps over the opening128and rests on the surface132of the first panel120; in effect sandwiching the first panel120. This portion of the flange110may assist in locating the storage compartment102in the cavity124upon assembly.

FIGS. 3 and 4also illustrate the compartment door108, which is connected to the tailgate100and movable between a first, closed position and a second, open position. As illustrated in these figures, the compartment door108is in the first, closed position.FIGS. 1 and 2illustrate the compartment door108in the second, open position. In the closed position, the compartment door108covers the opening128and closes the storage compartment102as well as the volume V therein. In the aspect illustrated, the compartment door108includes a reinforcement panel136. The reinforcement panel136is affixed to the interior surface135of the storage compartment door108, facing the storage compartment110, and provides structural support for the storage compartment door108. In embodiments, the reinforcement panel136is affixed to the storage compartment door108with mechanical fasteners or adhesive. However, in alternative aspects, the reinforcement panel136may be omitted.

In aspects, the length of the reinforcement panel136may extend the full length Ldof the compartment door108, or a portion thereof, such as 75 percent or more of the length of the compartment door108, or 90 percent or more of the length of the compartment door108. In aspects, the width of the reinforcement panel136runs the full width (see WdofFIG. 1) of the compartment door108, or a portion thereof, such as 75 percent or more of the width Wdof the compartment door108, or 90 percent or more of the width Wdof the compartment door.

In addition, in the aspect illustrated, the compartment door108includes a recessed track140to accommodate one or more seals142that sit in the recessed track140surrounding the perimeter129of the storage compartment102or opening128. The seals142may be formed from a polymer material, such as a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer, including but not limited to silicone, synthetic rubber such as ethylene propylene diene monomer, and thermoplastic elastomers. The seals142may also be mechanically attached to the recessed track140through interlocking features in the track and on the seals142, by mechanical fasteners, or the seal142is affixed to the recessed track140using an adhesive.

FIGS. 3 and 4further illustrate a hinge144for moving the compartment door108from the first position (as seen inFIGS. 3 and 4) to the second position (illustrated inFIG. 1). The hinge144is illustrated as being affixed to the base126of the tailgate; however, in other aspects, the hinge144may be affixed elsewhere, such as to the surface132of the first panel120. The hinge144may include, but is not limited to, a spring hinge, a barrel hinge, a piano hinge, or multi-bar linkages. One or more hinges144may be provided along the entire width Wdof the compartment door108(seeFIG. 2) or along one or more portions of the width Wd, such as at either end of the compartment door108.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 4, in an aspect, the reinforcement panel136of the compartment door108includes a ridge137, which extends into the volume V in the storage compartment102. The ridge137is illustrated as extending parallel to and distal to the compartment door hinge144. However, in other aspects, the ridge137may assume other configurations.

FIG. 5illustrates a latching assembly148for retaining the compartment door108in a first, closed position. The latching assembly148includes at least one latch actuator150, at least one latch152, and at least one actuator rod154connecting the latch actuator to the latch152. In the illustrated aspect, two latches152,152′ and one actuator rod154are illustrated. However, alternative configurations may be assumed including, for example, more than one actuator rod154or more than two latches152,152′. In aspects, the actuation of the latch actuators150,150′ causes the actuator rod154to be displaced, moving the latches152,152; from a first, closed position to a second, open position.

In an aspect, the actuator rod154is coupled to the latch152using a latch coupling assembly, which as illustrated (seeFIGS. 6 and 7) includes a clip156,156′ affixed to the actuator rod154in a non-sliding manner a pin158,158′ and a cotter pin160,160′ holding the pin158,158′ to the clip156,156′. Further, in the illustrated aspect, the actuator rod154is coupled to the latch actuator150,150′ by a flexible coupling wire162,162′; however alternative flexible couplings may be employed. In the aspect illustrated, the latch152,152′ is a rotary latch, normally in a first, closed position; however, other latch configurations may be provided.

FIG. 6illustrates an aspect employing a pull lever latch actuator150. The figure also illustrates that the latch152is affixed to a latch mounting bracket164. The mounting bracket164is illustrated as being affixed to both the first panel120and the flange110surrounding the storage compartment102and overlying the first panel120by three mechanical fasteners166; however less than three or more than three mechanical fasteners166, such as up to five mechanical fasteners166may be used for each mounting bracket164. Alternatively, the mounting bracket164may be affixed only to the first panel120and the flange110may be placed over the mechanical fasteners166, concealing the fasteners166.

In the illustrated aspect, the latch actuator150is affixed to a first side116of the tailgate100. As noted above, the first side116of the tailgate100is formed from the first panel120; however, in alternative aspects, the first side116of the tailgate100may be formed from the second panel122or an additional panel. In aspects, a pocket167is formed by the storage compartment102to accommodate the latch152and shield the latch152from the volume V in the storage compartment102. The pocket167is illustrated as being formed in the corner of the storage compartment102; however, in alternative aspects, it may be formed in alternative locations.

Other latch actuators150may be employed in addition to, or alternatively to, the pull lever latch actuator illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 7, a push-button latch actuator150′ is provided in addition to the pull lever latch actuator150(seen inFIGS. 5 and 6) proximal to the actuator rod stop155. In this aspect, the push-button latch actuator150′ is affixed to the other, second side118of the tailgate100opposing the first side116(seeFIGS. 1, 6). Again, in alternative embodiments, the push-button latch actuator150′ may be used alone, i.e., without the pull lever latch actuator.

The latch152′ is again affixed to a latch mounting bracket164′ (also illustrated inFIG. 3). The mounting bracket164′ is also illustrated as being affixed to both the first panel120and the flange110by three mechanical fasteners166′. Again, however, less than three or more than three mechanical fasteners166′, such as up to five mechanical fasteners166′ maybe used for each mounting bracket164′. Alternatively, the mounting bracket164′ is affixed to only the first panel120. The flange110may be placed over the mechanical fasteners166′, concealing the mechanical fasteners166′. A second pocket169for accommodating the second latch152′ is defined by the storage compartment102, shielding the latch152′ from the volume V of the storage compartment102. The second pocket169is illustrated as being formed in the corner of the storage compartment102; however, in alternative aspects, it may be formed in alternative locations.

In the illustrated aspect, the push button latch actuator150′ locks the actuator rod154in place with a linearly adjustable pin151, wherein the pin is extendable and retractable. The pin151is illustrated in the unlocked position, where it is retracted. In the locked position, the pin151is extended towards the actuator rod154and contacts a stop155on the actuator rod154, preventing the actuator rod154from being displaced by the first latch actuator (150inFIG. 6) and activating the latch152. However, in another, non-illustrated aspect, the push-button actuator150′ may be tied to the actuator rod154such that its linear travel is imparted to the actuator rod154by the push-button actuator150′. In such an aspect, the push-button actuator150′ may be used without the pull lever actuator150illustrated inFIG. 6. In further aspects the latch actuators150,150′ may be locking. When two latch actuators150,150′ are present, each latch actuator150,150′ may be positioned at either side116,118of the tailgate100or both at one side116,118of the tailgate100.

FIG. 3illustrates an aspect of a striker153′. The striker153′ is affixed to the compartment door108and, in this aspect, to the reinforcement panel136. With reference toFIG. 7, in one aspect, the striker153′ (not illustrated) passes through an opening157′ in the flange110as well as through the opening128in the first panel120. Referring again toFIG. 3, the striker153′ is illustrated as being “U” shaped, but it may be appreciated that the striker153′ may exhibit other configurations depending on the type of latch152′ used. When the latch152′ is in a first, closed position and the compartment door108is in a closed position, the latch152′ engages the striker153′ and retains the compartment door108in a closed position.

FIG. 8provides an exploded view of the tailgate100according to multiple aspects of the disclosure further illustrating the assembly of the tailgate100and latching mechanisms. As illustrated and noted above, the tailgate100includes an opening128defined in the first panel120of the tailgate. Also defined in the side116of the tailgate100is an opening180for the pull-lever latch actuator150. Not illustrated is a hole in the opposing side of the tailgate100for a push-button actuator150′. As noted above, only a single latch actuator150,150′ may be utilized and the single latch actuator may be either a pull-lever actuator or a push-button actuator.

The latch mounting brackets164,164′ are mounted in the cavity124(seeFIG. 3) at the corners of the opening128proximal to the top186of the tailgate100. The latches152,152′ are affixed to the mounting brackets164,164′ within the cavity124and the latch actuator rod154is attached to the latches152,152′ by clips156,156′. The latch actuators150,150′ are affixed to or interact with the ends of the latch actuator rod154as described above. For example, in the case of the pull-lever latch actuator150, the pull-lever latch actuator150is affixed to latch actuator rod154via assembly by a flexible coupling wire162.

Over the cavity opening128and latch mechanism is positioned the tailgate storage compartment102and the trim panel111, which as illustrated extends from the tailgate storage compartment102. The tailgate storage compartment102sits within the cavity124, as illustrated inFIG. 3. A flange110extends around the tailgate storage compartment102and rests on top of the first panel120of the tailgate100. The trim panel111overlies the portion of the tailgate100above the opening128proximal to the top186of the tailgate100.

The compartment door108sits on the first panel120, closing the tailgate storage compartment102. As illustrated, a reinforcing panel136is affixed to the compartment door108and sits between the flange110and the compartment door108, also covering the tailgate storage compartment102. From the compartment door108and reinforcing panel136extend strikers153,153′ extended from each end of the compartment door108. Again, the strikers153,153′ being positioned to be captured by the latches152,152′ as illustrated inFIG. 3. The compartment door108is illustrated as being affixed to the tailgate100by the hinge144as illustrated inFIG. 3.

Reference is now made again toFIG. 1, which illustrates the tailgate100connected to the pick-up truck101. As illustrated, a pull lever latch actuator150affixed to one side116of the tailgate100and proximal to the pick-up box bed103relative to the tailgate lock170positioned distal from the pick-up box bed103. It may be appreciated that the tailgate lock170may retain the tailgate100in a closed position and require a key to release the tailgate100. In non-limiting aspects the tailgate lock170may be mechanical or electromechanical. It may also be appreciated that the tailgate100is connected to the pick-up box bed103base175by one or more hinges173, including but not limited to those noted above, and when the tailgate100is closed, the latch actuators150,150′ are concealed by the side walls172extending up from the pick-up bed box base175. It may further be appreciated that locking actuators150,150′ are not necessary to provide a secure storage location and the actuators150,150′ may not be lockable, as the tailgate100may be closed and locked, barring access to the latch actuators150,150′.

In an aspect of a method200of assembling the storage compartment is illustrated in the flow chart ofFIG. 9. An opening may be formed in a first panel of the tailgate202prior to assembling the first and second panels into the tailgate or after assembling the first and second panels into the tailgate. Prior to assembly, the opening may be formed through stamping or a trimming process. Post assembly, the opening may be formed through a trimming process. Trimming processes may include, but are not limited to milling, laser cutting, plasma cutting, or sawing.FIG. 10illustrates the opening128provided in the first panel120of the tailgate100between the sides of the tailgate prior to the addition of the storage compartment102.

Referring back toFIG. 9, holes are drilled in the first panel204to accommodate the mechanical fasteners for the latch mounting bracket and the compartment door hinge and an opening is provided for the latching actuator, if not already provided when the tailgate is formed.FIG. 10illustrates holes176for the mechanical fasteners, holes for the hinges178, and openings for latching actuators180.

Referring again toFIG. 9, an anti-corrosion liquid is then applied to the holes and openings formed in the tailgate206. The latch mounting brackets are then attached to the first panel208and the latch assembly is then loaded into the tailgate and assembled210. The storage compartment is then inserted into the cavity through the first panel212. The storage compartment and upper trim panel are then affixed in place214.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 11, in an aspect, a number of mechanical fasteners182are used to retain the upper trim panel111in place along with the upper tailgate trim piece184which is positioned over the top186of the tailgate100and the distal end of the upper trim panel111.

Referring again toFIG. 9, the compartment door is also assembled216. The compartment door may be assembled at the same time as, before, or after affixing the upper trim panel and is shown as a parallel process.

As may be appreciated, and as illustrated in the aspect ofFIG. 11, the upper trim panel111, upper tailgate trim piece184, and compartment door108may extend along the entire length Lfand width Wfof the face190of the tailgate visible when the tailgate is in the closed position. However, it may be appreciated that in other aspects less than the entire face190of the tailgate is covered by the compartment door and upper trim panel, wherein greater than 90 percent or more of the tailgate face is covered or 75 percent or more of the tailgate face is covered.

The storage compartment102is described herein as being located in a pick-up box bed tailgate100, wherein the tailgate100is attached at its base126to the pick-up box bed103. However, the present disclosure is applicable to other tailgates as well, including those tailgates100that are attached and pivot from a side wall172rather than from the base126of the tailgate100.

A tailgate storage compartment102of the present disclosure offers several advantages. These advantages include, for example, a relatively convenient and secure tailgate storage compartment for various items, such as tools or vehicle accessories. These advantages further include, for example, that the location of the storage compartment within the tailgate does not reduce the storage volume within the pick-up bed. Further, these advantages yet further include, for example, an improvement in concealing the storage compartment when a full width compartment door and upper trim panel are present. These advantages yet further include, for example, protecting the latch mechanism from being jammed by items stored in the storage compartment. These advantages yet further include, for example, protecting the latch actuator from damage by placing the latch actuator on the side of the tailgate, away from a loadable surface. These advantages yet further include, for example, concealing the latch actuator in placing the latch actuator at a side of the tailgate.