Method and system for preventing items sliding in cargo area of vehicle

An assembly for preventing items sliding around a cargo area of a vehicle. The assembly includes a plurality of first members, where a length of the first members is based on a length of the cargo area. The assembly also includes a plurality of second members connected to an inner side of the plurality of first members to couple the first members together. The assembly also includes a plurality of third members with a first end connected to an outer side of the plurality of first members. A length of the third members is selected so that a second end of the third members is configured to engage an inner side surface of the cargo area. A method is also provided for preventing items sliding around the cargo area of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Cargo areas of vehicles, such as beds of pick-up trucks are routinely used to carry cargo such as items purchased in retail stores (e.g. groceries). The user of the vehicle leaves the cargo in the cargo area and then drives the vehicle from a first location to a second location. During the transit from the first location to the second location, it is not uncommon for the cargo to move or slide around in the cargo area, which is frequently larger than the dimensions of the cargo.

SUMMARY

The current inventors have recognized that conventional systems have been developed to prevent cargo from sliding around in cargo areas of vehicles, such as truck beds. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,317,442 teaches cargo area partitions to divide the cargo area into smaller subdivisions into which cargo can be placed. However, the inventor of the present invention recognized several shortcomings of such a conventional system, including that the partitions extend an entire height of the cargo area and thus would have to be removed if larger cargo (e.g. pieces of timber, etc.) were needed to be placed in the cargo area. Thus, the inventor of the present invention developed an improved system which overcomes this noted drawback since it permits partitions in the cargo area to prevent smaller items from sliding around the cargo area while at the same time also does not require removal in order to place larger items that extend the length of the cargo area.

In another example, U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2015/0307016 teaches a divider device that can be used to partition a portion of a truck bed (between the wheel wells and the tail gate) into multiple partitions so that cargo items can be placed in those partitions. However, the inventor of the present invention recognized several drawbacks with this conventional device, including that the device merely divides one portion of the cargo area into partitions and thus is limited with the extent of surface area and partitions that can be formed to hold cargo items. For example, if someone was taking a trip to the beach and placed smaller bags in the cargo area portion with the divided partitions they may not have any partitioned area to place other items (e.g. cooler). The inventor of the present invention recognized another deficiency in this conventional device based on its apparent inability to selectively dimension the partition. Thus, if cargo (e.g. small tools) were placed in a partition much larger than the cargo, the cargo would likely slide around. The inventor of the present invention overcame this deficiency by developing a structural arrangement where the partition dimensions can be sized to accommodate varied dimensions of cargo so to ensure the cargo does not slide around within the partitions.

In a first set of embodiments, an assembly for preventing items sliding around a cargo area of a vehicle. The assembly includes a plurality of first members, where a length of the first members is based on a length of the cargo area. The assembly also includes a plurality of second members connected to an inner side of the plurality of first members to couple the first members together. The assembly also includes a plurality of third members with a first end connected to an outer side of the plurality of first members. A length of the third members is selected so that a second end of the third members is configured to engage an inner side surface of the cargo area.

In a second set of embodiments, a method is provided for preventing items sliding around a cargo area of a vehicle. The method includes selecting a plurality of first members, where a length of the first members is selected based on a length of the cargo area. The method further includes coupling the plurality of first members by connecting a plurality of second members along an inner side of the plurality of first members. The method further includes connecting a first end of a plurality of third members along an outer side of the plurality of first members. The method further includes adjusting a length of the third members so to engage a second end of the plurality of third members with an inner side surface of the cargo area.

Still other aspects, features, and advantages are readily apparent from the following detailed description, simply by illustrating a number of particular embodiments and implementations, including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Other embodiments are also capable of other and different features and advantages, and its several details can be modified in various obvious respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method and apparatus and system are described for preventing items sliding around a cargo area of a vehicle. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope are approximations, the numerical values set forth in specific non-limiting examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements at the time of this writing. Furthermore, unless otherwise clear from the context, a numerical value presented herein has an implied precision given by the least significant digit. Thus a value 1.1 implies a value from 1.05 to 1.15. The term “about” is used to indicate a broader range centered on the given value, and unless otherwise clear from the context implies a broader range around the least significant digit, such as “about 1.1” implies a range from 1.0 to 1.2. If the least significant digit is unclear, then the term “about” implies a factor of two, e.g., “about X” implies a value in the range from 0.5X to 2X, for example, about 100 implies a value in a range from 50 to 200. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of “less than 10” can include any and all sub-ranges between (and including) the minimum value of zero and the maximum value of 10, that is, any and all sub-ranges having a minimum value of equal to or greater than zero and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10, e.g., 1 to 4.

For purposes of this description, “items” means any pieces of cargo that can be placed in the cargo area of a vehicle for purposes of transport in the vehicle. In some embodiments, the “items” have dimensions that do not exceed one or more dimensional thresholds (e.g. height, length and/or width). For purposes of this description, “cargo area” means any area of a vehicle that is designed or intended to carry cargo, e.g. truck of a car, bed of a pickup truck, interior area of a vehicle (e.g. sport utility vehicle) with or without folding down of seats, etc. For purposes of this description, “vehicle” means any motor vehicle, such as a car, truck, sport utility vehicle (SUV), recreational vehicle (RV) or any non-motor vehicle.

Some embodiments of the invention are described below in the context of preventing items sliding around a cargo area of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the invention is described in the context of preventing items sliding around a bed of a pickup truck. In other embodiments, the invention is described in the context of preventing items sliding around an interior cargo area of a vehicle, e.g. sport utility vehicle. In other embodiments, the invention is described in the context of trunks of cars or any cargo area (interior or exterior) of any motor vehicle.

FIG. 1Ais an image that illustrates an example of a top perspective view of an assembly100for preventing items sliding around a cargo area of a vehicle, according to an embodiment.FIG. 1Bis an image that illustrates an example of a top perspective view of the assembly100ofFIG. 1Ainstalled in a cargo area150of a vehicle, according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the cargo area150is a bed of a pickup truck. In another embodiment, the cargo area is an interior cargo area of a vehicle, e.g. sport utility vehicle (SUV). In an embodiment, the apparatus100is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, wood, any form/grade of plastic and/or metal. In still other embodiments, the apparatus100or components thereof can be 3D printed (e.g. plastic material). In still other embodiments, different forms of plastic fabrication can be utilized to form the apparatus100or components thereof such as injection molding, rotational molding, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) fabrication or 3D printing. In an embodiment, the assembly100includes a plurality of first members or center supports102a,102b. Although a pair of center supports102a,102bare depicted, less or more than two center supports can be provided in the assembly. In an embodiment, the center supports102a,102bare selected with a length based on a length of the cargo area150. In one embodiment a length of the center supports102a,102bis about equal (e.g. within about 2″ or within a range from about 0.5″ to about 5″) to a length135of the cargo area150, as depicted inFIG. 1B. In one example embodiment, the length of the center supports102a,102bis centered along the length135of the cargo area150so that the gap between the center supports102a,102band the front and rear end surfaces158a,158bis about equal (e.g. within about 1″).

In another embodiment, where a length of the center supports102a,102bis less than a length135of the cargo area150(e.g. more than about 1′ less), a second center support or rear extension103aor103bis connected end-to-end to the first center support102a,102b(e.g. with a tongue and groove connection) so that the collective length of the first and second center supports102a,102bis about equal to the length of the cargo area150. However, the apparatus100is not limited to connecting the center supports102a,102bwith the rear extension103aor103busing a tongue and groove connection. In other embodiments, an apparatus100″ is depicted that is similar to the apparatus100, except that the center support102a″ is connected to a rear extension103a″ (FIG. 13A) using a connector plate196″ (FIGS. 14C-14D). In this embodiment, the connector plate196″ is aligned (e.g. centered) at an end-to-end junction of the center support102a″ and the rear extension103a″. A plurality (e.g. four) of fasteners (e.g. screws)194″ are then passed through a respective plurality (e.g. four) of openings197a″,197b″,197c″,197d″ in the connector plate196″ and into the center support102a″ and rear extension103a″ to secure the center support102a″ to the rear extension103a″.

In one example embodiment, the first center support102a,102bhas a first length (e.g. about 5′) and a plurality of second center supports of varying length (e.g. about 1′, about 2, and about 3′) are available so to accommodate cargo areas150with different lengths (e.g. about 5′, about 6′, about 7′ and about 8′). As depicted inFIG. 1A, in one embodiment grooves111a,111bare provided at an end of the center supports102a,102bto receive a tongue at an end of the second center support. As depicted inFIGS. 13A and 14C-14D, in another embodiment the fasteners194″ are secured through the openings197a″,197b″,197c″,197d″ in the connector plate196″ to secure the center support102a″ to the second center support or rear extension103a″.FIGS. 5A-5Dare images that illustrate views of a second center support or rear extension103aof the assembly100ofFIG. 1A, according to an embodiment. As depicted inFIGS. 5A-5D, the rear extension103aincludes a tongue120at an end of the rear extension103athat is sized to fit in the grooves111a,111b(FIGS. 3A-3D) of the center supports102a,102bso to provide an extension of a first length166a(e.g. about 1′) to the center supports102a,102b.FIGS. 6A-6Dare images that illustrates views of a second center support or rear extension103bof the assembly100ofFIG. 1A, according to an embodiment. As depicted inFIGS. 6A-6D, the rear extension103bincludes a tongue120at an end of the rear extension103bthat is sized to fit in the grooves111a,111b(FIGS. 3A-3D) of the center supports102a,102bso to provide an extension of a first length166b(e.g. about 3′) to the center supports102a,102b. AlthoughFIGS. 2A-11Ddepict numerical dimensions, these dimensions are one example of a dimension and the various components of the apparatus100are not limited to these particular numerical dimensions. As with the rear extensions103a,103bthat have different length, the apparatus100″ ofFIGS. 13-14also features multiple rear extensions103″ of different length, to provide flexibility to ensure that the combination of the center support102″ and rear extension103″ securely fit within the length135of the cargo area150.

In an embodiment, the assembly100further includes a plurality of second members or center cross members104a,104b,104cthat are connected to inner sides110of the center supports102a,102bto couple the center supports102a,102btogether. Although three center cross members are depicted inFIG. 1A, in other embodiments less or more than three center cross members are provided. In an example embodiment, the center supports102a,102bare oriented about parallel to each other (e.g. 0 degrees±10 degrees of each other) and/or the center cross members104a,104b,104care each oriented about orthogonal (e.g. 90 degrees±10 degrees) with respect to the center supports102a,102b.

FIG. 1Afurther depicts that center cross members104a,104b,104care removably connected to the inner side110of the center supports102a,102bwith a mating engagement.FIG. 1Cdepicts a further view of the center cross members104a,104b,104c. In one embodiment, the mating engagement is a tongue and groove arrangement. In other embodiments, any mating engagement appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art can be employed including a slide system where a plurality of cylinders or prongs with a first diameter are positioned along the inner side110and the center cross members104a,104b,104care removably connected to one of the cylinders or prongs with an opening at each end of the center cross members that has an inner diameter to securely receive one of the cylinders or prongs. In yet another embodiment, screw mounted bolts or spindle rods could be mounted along the inner side110and a selective screw mounted bolt could be screwed into each of the center cross members104a,104b,104cat the desired positions along the length of the inner side110. In yet another embodiment,FIGS. 13A-13Cdepict that the center cross members104a″,104b″,104c″ can be connected to the center supports102a″,102b″ using a fastener (e.g. screw) connection.

In yet another embodiment, one or more spring loaded extensions can be positioned along the length of the inner side110and the spring loaded extensions can be activated to secure each of the center cross members104a,104b,104cat the desired positions along the length of the inner side110. In other embodiments, each tongue and groove arrangement of the apparatus100may alternatively use any of the above listed mating structures. The tongue and groove arrangement involves a plurality of spaced apart grooves113balong the inner side110of the center support102a,102b. As depicted inFIG. 13AandFIGS. 14A-14B, the apparatus100″ includes a pair of fasteners190a″,190b″ (e.g. screws) that are secured through the inner side110of the center support102b″ and into an end of the side member106b, to secure the side member106bto the center support102b″, as discussed below. In this same embodiment, the center cross members104a″,104b″,104c″ are connected to the center supports102a″,102b″ using a similar connection. In an embodiment, a similar pair of fasteners190a″,190b″ are secured through the outer side112of the center supports102a″,102b″ and into an end of the center cross members104a″,104b″,104c″, to secure the center supports102a″,102b″ to the center cross members104a″,104b″,104c″. In an embodiment, the fasteners190a″,190b″ are secured through a pair of openings195a″,195b″ in the outer side112of the center supports102a″,102b″ and into an end of the center cross members104a″,104b″,104c″. The inventor realized that this screw attachment is advantageous in that it reduces the cost of manufacturing of the apparatus100″.

FIGS. 3A-3Dare images that illustrates views of a center support102of the assembly100ofFIG. 1A, according to an embodiment.FIGS. 3A-3Ddepict a regular spacing152between the grooves111balong the inner side110of the center supports102. In an embodiment, the regular spacing152is about 5″ or in a range from about 3″ to about 7″. The spaced apart grooves113bare provided along the inner side110of the center supports102a,102bso that a tongue120(FIGS. 2A-2D) at opposite ends of the center support members104a,104b,104ccan be received in one of the grooves113bof each center support102a,102b. As depicted inFIG. 1A, the placement of the center cross members104a,104b,104cin the grooves111balong the inner sides110of the center supports102a,102bforms a plurality of interior areas105a,105b,105cdefined by the center supports102a,102band the center cross members104a,104b,104c. In one embodiment, the interior areas105a,105b,105care sized to carry items of various size and the sizing of the interior areas is achieved by the placement of the center cross members104a,104b,104cin the specific grooves113b. In another embodiment, such as the apparatus100″ ofFIGS. 13A-13CandFIGS. 14A-14D, the interior areas105″ between the center supports102a″,102b″ and the center cross members104a″,104b″,104c″ can be similarly adjusted based on the placement of the openings195a″,195b″ (FIG. 14B) along the outer side112of the center supports102a″,102b″ (though which the fasteners190a″,190b″ are passed and into the end of the center cross members104a″,104b″,104c″. In an embodiment, the height142of the center supports102a,102bis selected to be high enough to prevent items (e.g. groceries) sliding around the cargo area150but not too high so to require the apparatus100to be removed from the cargo area150in order to place large items (e.g. lumber) that require placement along most or all of the cargo area150. In an embodiment, the height142is about 5 inches or in a range from about 3 inches to about 7 inches and/or in a range from about 2 inches to about 9 inches. In other embodiments, one or more components of the apparatus100has the height142. In still other embodiments, each component of the apparatus100has the height142.

FIGS. 1A-1Bfurther depict a plurality of third members or side members106b,108a,108bwith a first end connected to an outer side112of the center supports102a,102band where a length of the side members106b,108a,108bis selected so that a second end (e.g. opposite to the first end) engages an inner side surface162a,162bof the cargo area150. In one embodiment the side members106b,108a,108bhave an adjustable length so that the second end of the side members engages the inner side surface162a,162bof the cargo area150. In one embodiment the length of the side member is adjustable by a side insert being slidably received within the side piece.FIGS. 8A-8Dare images that illustrates views of a side piece124of the side members108of the assembly100ofFIG. 1A, according to an embodiment.FIGS. 10A-10Dsimilarly are images that illustrate views of a side piece124′ of the side members106of the assembly100ofFIG. 1A. The side piece124which includes the groove120at the first end that is positioned within a groove113aalong the outer side112of the center supports102a,102b. The side piece124also includes a recess130(FIG. 1D) with a tongue134. The side piece124′ similarly includes the groove120at the first end.FIGS. 9A-9Dare images that illustrates views of a side insert126of the side members108of the assembly100ofFIG. 1A, according to an embodiment.FIGS. 11A-11Dsimilarly are images that illustrate views of a side insert126′ of the side members106of the assembly100ofFIG. 1A, according to an embodiment. The side insert126includes a recess132(see alsoFIG. 1D) that slidably receives the tongue134of the side piece124so that the side insert126is slidable within the recess130of the side piece124, which adjusts the length of the side members106,108. As further depicted inFIGS. 9A-9D, the side insert126includes a plurality of openings128along a top of the insert126and the side piece124includes a single opening125through which a pin (e.g. quick release pin) is inserted that passes into one of the openings128of the insert126, to lock the position of the insert126within the side piece124after a desired length is achieved. Although the above embodiments discuss that the side members106,108have an adjustable length using a slidable insert within a recess, in other embodiments the side members106,108have an adjustable length with a slide and twist feature where the inserts are slidably received in a recess and a length of the side members106,108is adjustably by a rotating member (e.g. bolt or lock) that secures the insert at a linear position of the side members106,106within the recess. In yet another embodiment, on one side (e.g. top side) of the inserts a button would be provided and upon pressing the button a small lever would unlock a pointed edge of the lever on grooves or teeth on an opposite side (e.g. bottom side) of the insert.FIG. 1Ddepicts that in one embodiment, a pair of brackets122a,122b(seeFIGS. 4A-4D) are used to secure the side piece124to the center supports102a,102bafter sliding the tongue120within the groove113a. In some embodiments, a spacing161of an opening in a first bracket122afrom a top of the bracket122a(e.g. ½″) is different than a spacing of an opening in a second bracket122bfrom a top of the bracket122b(e.g.1″) to ensure that fasteners passed through the brackets122a,122band into the piece124do not overlap.

In another embodiment, the third members or side members106b″,108a″,108b″ have a fixed length rather than an adjustable length. In one embodiment the side members106b″,108a″,108b″ are provided in one of a plurality of fixed lengths, which can be selectively chosen based on a width of the cargo area150and/or a spacing between the outer side112of the center supports102a″,102b″ and the inner surface162a,162b″ and/or wheel well152a,152b. In an example embodiment,FIGS. 13A-13Cdepict side members106b″,108a″,108b″ having a fixed length. In an embodiment, the side members106b″,108a″,108b″ are connected to the center supports102a″,102b″ by passing the fasteners190a″,190b″ through a pair of openings195a″,195b″ (FIG. 14B) in the inner side110of the center support102a″. The inventor recognized that one advantage of the fastener connection depicted inFIGS. 14A-14Bis reduced manufacturing cost. The inventor also recognized that multiple side members of varying fixed length can be provided so that that the apparatus100″ can accommodate a variety of cargo areas150with varying size, depending on various factors (e.g. make and model of the vehicle, etc.).

In an embodiment, the side members include a pair of first side members106a,106b(note:106aomitted fromFIGS. 1A-1Bfor clarity but would be provided on left side ofFIG. 1Bin similar position as the side piece106b) and a pair of second side members108a,108bwith a length that is longer than the first side members. In an embodiment, the first side members106a,106bengage the inner side surface162a,164ain a first region of the cargo area150and the second side members108a,108bengage the inner side surface162a,162bin a second region of the cargo area150where the width of the cargo area150is greater in the second region than the first region. In an example embodiment, where the cargo area150is the bed of a pickup truck, the inner side surface162a,162bin the first region includes wheel wells152a,152band/or the inner side surface162a,162bin the second region includes is between the wheel wells152a,152band a tailgate158b. In an embodiment, the second side members108a,108bare positioned along the outer112of the center supports102a,102bso that the second side members108a,108bdo not block one or more interior compartment doors154a,154b. This advantageously ensures that the apparatus100and side members106,108do not interfere with the access to interior compartment doors154a,154b. In an embodiment, the first side members106a,106band/or second side members108a,108bare positioned symmetrical with respect to the left and right side of the cargo area150so to maximize the stability of the apparatus100within the cargo area150, including during left and right turns of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the apparatus100also includes one or more fourth members or middle members109a,109b. In an embodiment, the middle members109a,109bare connected to the ends of the center supports102a,102b.FIGS. 7A-7Dare images that illustrates views of a rear middle support109aof the assembly100ofFIG. 1A, according to an embodiment. A pair of grooves113are provided along an interior of the length178aof the rear middle support109a. In an embodiment, a tongue120(FIG. 3D) at an end of the center supports102a,102bare positioned in each of the spaced apart grooves113of the rear middle support109a. An opposite end of the center supports102a,102balso features a tongue that is positioned in spaced apart grooves113along a length of the front middle support109b. As depicted inFIGS. 1A-1B, the rear middle support109ais positioned at a rear of the cargo area150(e.g., adjacent the tailgate158bin a pickup truck bed) and the front middle support109bis positioned at a front of the cargo area150. The front and rear middle supports109a,109badvantageously brace a front end surface158aand rear end surface158b(e.g. tailgate) of the cargo area150, so to provide stability during acceleration and braking of the vehicle. Although the above embodiment discusses a tongue and groove connection between the middle members109a,109band the center supports102a,102b, in another embodiment a fastener connection is provided between the middle members109a″,109b″ and the center supports102a″,102b″ (FIGS. 13A-13C). In this embodiment, the end of the center supports102a″,102b″ is connected to the middle members109a″,109b″ using a similar connection as between the center supports102a″,102b″ and the center cross members104a″,104b″,104c″ and side members106a″,108a″,108b″. In one embodiment, the rear middle support (positioned along a rear of the cargo area150) includes a pair of rear middle supports109a″,109c″ that are connected together using the connector plate196″ (FIG. 13A) in a similar manner as the center support102a″ is connected to an end of the rear extension103a″.

In an embodiment, the middle members109a,109beach feature ends with adjustable length so that opposite ends of the middle members109a,109bcan be adjusted to engage the inner side surface162a,162bof the cargo area150adjacent the front or rear end surfaces158a,158b. In an embodiment, the ends of the middle members109a,109bcan feature a similar structure as the side members106,108(e.g. slidable insert with quick release pin). In another embodiment, the length of the front middle member109bis smaller than a width of the cargo area150at the front end surface158ain order to provide space for one or more accessories (e.g. drain hoses156a,156bfrom a truck topper). In still another embodiment, a length of the front middle member109b″ and/or rear middle member109a″,109c″ are fixed in length and selected based on width dimensions of the cargo area150adjacent a respective front and rear of the cargo area150.

AlthoughFIG. 1Bdepicts the assembly100being positioned in the cargo area150of a pickup truck, the embodiments of the invention are not limited to being used in the cargo area150of a pickup truck and can be used in any cargo area of any vehicle.FIG. 1Eis an image that illustrates an example of a top perspective view of an assembly100′ for preventing items sliding around a cargo area of a vehicle, such as a sport utility vehicle (SUV). Unlike the apparatus100ofFIGS. 1A-1B, the apparatus100′ is more rectangular in shape in order to fit a rectangular shaped cargo area of a SUV. It should be noted that the apparatus100′ need not be strictly rectangular but is generally rectangular in the sense that it has a length135and width133that is based on a respective length and width of the cargo area. In other embodiments, where the cargo area of the SUV (or other vehicle) has a non-rectangular interior cargo area, the apparatus100′ is formed to have a non-rectangular form based on the non-rectangular interior cargo area. In some embodiments, unlike the apparatus100, the apparatus100′ features three center supports102a′,102b′,102c′, where each center support may or may not have an adjustable length (e.g. slidable insert with a quick release pin) at each end. Thus, in one embodiment, to accommodate a cargo area with a particular length, the length of the three center supports102a′,102b′,102c′ are adjusted so that the front and rear middle members109a,109bengage the front end and rear end surfaces of the cargo area. Additionally, in an embodiment, the front and rear middle members109a,109bas well as the center cross members104a′,104b′ have an adjustable length (e.g. slidable insert with a quick release pin) so that their length can be collectively adjusted so that they engage the inner side surfaces of the cargo area.

In another embodiment, an apparatus could be formed that is similar to the apparatus100but is formed as a one-piece structure (e.g. using a mold). In some embodiments, the apparatus could include an undersurface and side surfaces to engage the respective flat surface and side surfaces of the cargo area of the vehicle. In an example embodiment, the apparatus could be formed in one of a plurality of sizes, so to accommodate a respective plurality of vehicle cargo areas (e.g. a respective plurality of truck bed dimensions, a plurality of SUV interior cargo areas, etc). In still other embodiments, the apparatus includes multiple pieces (e.g. each formed using a mold) that are coupled together in the cargo area of the vehicle. In an example embodiment, the multiple pieces are operatively connected (e.g. through a mating engagement) to each other so to engage the respective flat surface and side surfaces of the cargo area of the vehicle. In one embodiment, each component of the apparatus100is uniquely identified with visual indicators (e.g. unique color) so that the user can easily assembly the apparatus100. In an example embodiment, the apparatus100features a written set of instructions or drawing which illustrates the placement of each component of the apparatus100using the unique visual indicator for each component (e.g. a diagram showing the relative placement of each component of the apparatus100according to the unique color label on each component). This advantageously shortens the assembly time of the apparatus100.

FIG. 12is a flowchart illustrates an example of a method200for preventing items sliding around a cargo area of a vehicle. Although steps are depicted inFIG. 12as integral steps in a particular order for purposes of illustration, in other embodiments, one or more steps, or portions thereof, are performed in a different order, or overlapping in time, in series or in parallel, or are omitted, or one or more additional steps are added, or the method is changed in some combination of ways.

In step202, one or more center supports102a,102bare selected, where a length of the center supports102a,102bis selected based on a length of the cargo area. In one embodiment, the length of the center supports102a,102bis selected where the length of the center supports is about equal to (e.g. within about 2″ or in a range from about 1″ to about 4″) a length of the cargo area. In other embodiments, where the length of the cargo area150exceeds the length of the center supports102a,102bby a threshold amount (e.g.1′), the second center supports or rear extensions103are also selected and are connected to an end of the center supports102a,102bso that the collective length of the center supports102a,102band the rear extensions103are about equal to a length of the cargo area. In an example embodiment, the cargo area150is a bed of a pickup truck that is one of a plurality of discrete lengths (e.g. 5′, 6′, 7′, 8′). In one embodiment, step202involves selecting center supports102a,102bof a first length (e.g. 5′) to accommodate the bed of one length (e.g. 5′). In another embodiment, step202involves selecting center supports102a,102bof the first length and a rear extension of a first length (e.g. 1′) to accommodate the bed of another length (e.g. 6′). In another embodiment, step202involves selecting center supports102a,102bof the first length and a rear extension of a second length (e.g. 2′) to accommodate the bed of another length (e.g. 7′). In another embodiment, step202involves selecting center supports102a,102bof the first length and a rear extension of a third length (e.g. 3′) to accommodate the bed of another length (e.g. 8′).

In step203, middle supports109a,109bare connected to an end of the center supports102a,102b. In an embodiment, the tongue120at the end of the center supports102is received in the spaced apart grooves113along the interior length of the middle supports109a,109b. In another embodiment, fasteners190a″,190b″ are passed through openings195a″,195b″ along the middle supports109a″,109b″ and into an end of the center supports102aligned with the openings195a″,195b″.

In step204, the center supports102a,102bselected in step202are coupled together using the center support members104a,104b,104c. In an embodiment, the center supports102a,102bare coupled together by connecting the center support members104a,104b,104calong the inner side110(e.g. in one of the grooves113b) of the center supports102a,102b. In another embodiment, the center supports102a,102bare coupled together by passing fasteners190a″,190b″ through openings195a″,195b″ in the outer side112and into an end of the center support members104a″,104b″,104c″ aligned with the openings195a″,195b″. In an embodiment, step204results in the center supports102a,102bhaving a parallel alignment with respect to each other and the center supports members104a,104b,104chaving an orthogonal alignment with respect to the center supports102a,102b.

In step206, a first end of the side members106,108are connected along the outer surface112(e.g. in grooves113a) of the center supports102a,102b. In another embodiment, the first end of the side members106,108are secured to the outer surface112of the center supports102a,102bby passing fasteners190a″,190b″ through openings195a″,195b″ along the outer surface112and into an end of the side members106,108aligned with the openings195a″,195b″. In an embodiment, step206involves connecting the side members106along the outer surface112of the center supports102a,102bin the first region of the cargo area150(e.g. with the wheel wells152a,152b). In another embodiment, step206involves connecting the side members108along the outer surface112of the center supports102a,102bin the second region of the cargo area150(e.g. between the wheel wells and the tailgate158b) and/or so to not block the interior compartment doors154a,154b.

In step208, a length of the side members106,108are adjusted to engage a second end of the side members with the inner side surface162a,162bof the cargo area150. In an example embodiment, a length180aof the side piece124is about 12″ or in a range from about 10″ to about 14″ and a length180a′ of the side piece124′ is about 6″ or in a range from about 4″ to about 8″. Similarly, in an example embodiment, a length184aof the side insert126is about 9″ or in a range from about 7″ to about 11″ and a length184a′ of the insert126′ is about 5″ or in a range from about 3″ to about 7″. In an embodiment, where the side members106,108have an adjustable length using the slidable insert126with the quick release pin, the position of the insert126within the recess130of the side piece124is adjusted until the end of the side members106,108engage the inner side surface162a,162bof the cargo area150. In an embodiment, the range of adjustment of the side members106,108is about 9″ or in a range from about 6″ to about 12″ and/or in a range from about 3″ to about 20″. In another embodiment, where the side members106″,108″ (FIGS. 13A-13C) have a fixed length, step208is omitted and replaced with a step of selecting the side members106″,108″ from among side members with different fixed lengths so that the selected side members106″,108″ have fixed lengths that engage the inner side surface162a,162bof the cargo area150when connected to the center supports102.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Throughout this specification and the claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” and its variations, such as “comprises” and “comprising,” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated item, element or step or group of items, elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other item, element or step or group of items, elements or steps. Furthermore, the indefinite article “a” or “an” is meant to indicate one or more of the item, element or step modified by the article. As used herein, unless otherwise clear from the context, a value is “about” another value if it is within a factor of two (twice or half) of the other value. While example ranges are given, unless otherwise clear from the context, any contained ranges are also intended in various embodiments. Thus, a range from 0 to 10 includes the range 1 to 4 in some embodiments.