Abstract:
The present invention comprises an extension apparatus for a vehicle storage area with the preferred embodiments using a bracket and frame construction to provide for a foldable lightweight extension device.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/653,565, filed Aug. 31, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/258,786, filed Mar. 1, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,548. 
     
    
     
         [0002]    The present invention relates to vehicle modifications. More particularly, the present invention relates to extensions for the storage areas of vehicles.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Vehicle storage areas, such as pickup truck beds and sport utility or station wagon cargo areas, provide convenient transportation for all sizes and types of materials. Yet even these may lack desired versatility. For example, a pickup bed with a closed tailgate permits the retention of materials in the bed. Occasionally there is a need to carry materials larger than the closed tailgate configuration permits. The tailgate can be opened enlarging the bed size. This, however, eliminates the ability to retain the materials through use of the tailgate, and so netting or ropes may be used.  
           [0004]    In many instances this is a less than desirable solution. Various devices exist that assist in extending vehicle storage areas, such as the one shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,472,639, which discloses the use of panels attached to the tailgate to make an extension unit. The somewhat complicated device has panels that are heavy and unwieldy and their means of attachment to the tailgate is less than desirable. The piano hinge used in the disclosed invention for example, does not allow for movement of the unit laterally on the tailgate. This means the unit is relatively immobile.  
           [0005]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an extension apparatus for vehicular storage areas.  
           [0006]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive and simple extension apparatus for vehicular storage areas.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention provides an apparatus for extending storage areas of vehicles. The preferred embodiment of the present invention installs on a pickup truck tailgate and is folded and unfolded as desired. An unfolded configuration of this embodiment allows for the extension of the box-like bed configuration of the pickup bed, using the tailgate as essentially part of the floor. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    [0008]FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 2 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 3 shows a sectional view along line III-III in the embodiment of FIG. 2.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 4 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 5 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 6 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 7 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 8 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 9 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 8.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 10 shows a sectional view along line X-X in the embodiment of FIG. 9.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 11 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 8.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 12 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 13 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 14 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 15 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 16 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 17 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 16.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 18 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 16.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 19 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 16.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 20 shows a sectional view along line XX-XX in the embodiment of FIG. 16.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 21 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 22 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 23 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 22.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 24 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 25 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 24.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 26 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0034]    [0034]FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment, seen generally at a, of the present invention. The embodiment is shown folded and mounted on a pickup truck tailgate.  
         [0035]    At FIG. 2 the embodiment of FIG. 1 is seen in detail. Side frames  15  and  16  are opened. Each of them is mounted on frame  11  and pivots along hinges attached to frame  11 . For example, side frame  15  is carried on frame  11  by way of hinges  26  and  27 . Referring briefly to FIG. 5, frames  15  and  16  are shown pivoted into frame  11  by way of hinges  26 - 27 , and  28 - 29 , respectively.  
         [0036]    Turning back to FIG. 2, side frame  15  is shown pivoted outwardly, along hinges  26  and  27  and perpendicularly to the frame  11 . The side frame  15  is, in this embodiment, constructed of 1-inch diameter steel tubing and the hinges  26  and  27  are metal strap hinges, wrapped around frame  11 . Any materials known in the art may be used for the tubing and the hinges in other embodiments.  
         [0037]    Plate  55  is affixed to side frame  15  and extends downwardly therefrom. Plate  55  will act as a stop to the pivoting of side frame  15  by contacting the side of bracket  40 , in order to prevent the side frame  15  from moving further. A similar construction is seen with regard to side frame  16 , however, the stop plate complement to stop plate  55  is not shown here. Pins not seen in this view are inserted through the bracket  40 , into corresponding holes in the stop plates  55  and  56 , and so prevent further movement of the frame. Hinges  28  and a second hinge  29  (not shown) carry the side plate  16  upon frame  11 . The use of plates may be, as well, fixed or moveable in other embodiments, so that, for example, the side frames may be moved at various angles off the perpendicular. In other embodiments, other mechanisms known in the art may be used to prevent further movement of the frames.  
         [0038]    Turning briefly to FIG. 5, a folded configuration of the side frames is seen. In this view, both side frames have been folded along their hinges, and nest within frame  11 . Frame  11  is, in turn, folded along the hinges  51 ,  52  and  53  so that the entire assembly rests against the tailgate  1 . (This folded configuration is also shown in profile in FIG. 1.) Frame  11  also has, in this embodiment, support tubes  12  and  13  welded to it along its upper tube as well as base member  10  of frame  11 . Frame  11  as well as these support tubes  12  and  13  are formed of a length of 1-inch diameter steel tube. The hinges  51 ,  52  and  53  are metal strap hinges, wrapped around base member  10 , and welded to the ends of extension members  41 ,  42  and  43 , as is described in further detail below. Any materials known in the art may be used for the tubing and the hinges in other embodiments.  
         [0039]    This embodiment has the ability to utilize plastic or other covers on the frames. These covers, also known as “skins” which may “dress up” the external appearance of the embodiment, as can be seen in FIG. 2. In this embodiment the skins  60 ,  70 , and  80  are shown with a slotted appearance and are molded ABS plastic. It is also possible to use PVC or other similar plastic. In some embodiments, in may be desired to provide the skins with raised or recessed ribs or other details. These could be molded into a plastic skin, or fastened thereto by methods known in the art, and would provide structural or ornamental enhancement.  
         [0040]    The skins are fastened by screws, however, any method of fastening such as plastic fasteners, snap fit, or other means known in the art may be used. Additionally, in other embodiments, the appearance of these skins may be modified as desired. In other embodiments, other external devices may also be used, such as lights or the like, temporarily or permanently attached to the device.  
         [0041]    In other embodiments, other external materials known in the art, or none, may be used. For example, aluminum, netting or other materials known in the art may be used. These may also be used to enclose or restrain the top of the embodiments. It may also be desirable, in certain embodiments to form a full enclosure about the frames, using materials known in the art. Other embodiments may also have the side panels extent while eliminating the back frame.  
         [0042]    The frames, skins and other components may be molded or made, through methods and materials known in the art, of single piece construction. For example, the frame used at the rear, the skin for the frame and the pivot means used for the frame may all be molded into a single piece of structural foam, ABS plastic, or other materials known in the art. Other components may be similarly constructed through one piece construction.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 3 is a view taken along lines III-III. The extension member  41  is shown extended outwardly. Of course, the members  42  and  43  are also extended, but are not shown here. Holes  56 ,  57  and  58  are in bracket  40 , and, in correspondence with the hole in stop plate  55 , are used in conjunction with a pin arrangement, to allow for the extension of the embodiment at various predetermined intervals. A similar arrangement exists with regard to side frame  16 .  
         [0044]    The use of extension members permits even further extension of the present embodiment from the rear of the truck. In this embodiment, due to the structural constraints of the materials used, the furthermost extension is about eight inches. Of course, in other embodiments, different configurations or materials may permit lesser or greater outward extension. In another preferred embodiment, for example, the device extends enough, about 2″, to permit the frame and nested panels to pivot downwardly over the lip of the tailgate upon which is mounted.  
         [0045]    Additionally, in other embodiments, a floor may be utilized with the device and/or its extension, and thus provide further retention characteristics. For example, the embodiment seen in FIG. 2, which allows for an extension, and which uses the tailgate as essentially an extension of the floor, has no floor for the extended part. Yet, it is possible to use a collapsing or other type floor for the extension, so that the floor will be used at will.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 4 is a view of the embodiment taken from outside the device. This figure shows the extension member  41  retracted. The other extension members are not shown here but they are retracted as well. Additionally the side frame  15  has been folded, that is pivoted, about its hinges  26  and  27  to nest within frame  11 . Frame  11  has been pivoted downwardly, about the hinge  51 , and the other hinges  52  and  53  (not shown here) past the horizontal plane of the tailgate  1 .  
         [0047]    At FIG. 5, the entire embodiment is shown folded against the tailgate  1 . Here side frame  15  and side frame  16  can be seen. These frames are folded within frame  11 , along hinges  26 - 29 . Additionally, hinges  51 ,  52  and  53  operate to fold frame  11  flat against the tailgate, and extension members  41 , 42  and  43  are retracted, so the entire embodiment fits within bracket  40 . Pins  67  and  69  extend through the bracket  40  in a manner not shown here and retain frame  11  by entering into holes set therein.  
         [0048]    The use of pin  68  in this manner is shown in FIG. 6. Both side panels  15  and  16  are held in this closed position in this embodiment by the weight of their construction and the friction of hinges  26 - 29 , as well as, if used, the plastic skin  70 . In other embodiments, other means known in the art may be used to retain the side panels.  
         [0049]    Also seen at FIG. 5 are the straps  4  and  5  which serve to retain the embodiment to the tailgate, through use of screws inserted through the straps into holes in the straps and the tailgates. These straps also provide structural support to the embodiment as is described in further detail below. Bracket  9  and bracket  40  are both of box steel construction and serve to retain the steel tubes of extension members  41 ,  42  and  43 .  
         [0050]    Turning to FIG. 7, the embodiment is shown unfolded along hinges  51 ,  52  and  53 . Straps  4  and  5  are constructed of steel in this embodiment. They are welded to each other as well as to bracket  40 . Bracket  9  is also welded to strap  5 . Holes in the straps  4  and  5  are shown. These provide means for attaching bracket  40  to the tailgate by use of screws as is known in the art. In other embodiments, other means to attach the device to the tailgate may be used including straps and the like. For example, a clamp construction may be used instead of screws so that modification of the tailgate is not required as is the case with the screws above. Such a clamp or clamps may be mounted upon existing structures on the tailgate, or be screwed onto the tailgate, while retaining the bracket through a folded clamp or other configuration. Additionally, in yet other embodiments, attachment may be directly within the tailgate, whether by initial construction or post manufacture modification. For example, a slot may be cut within the tailgate so that an embodiment of the present invention may be inserted within the tailgate.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 8 shows yet another embodiment, mounted on the tailgate and partially unfolded in a top view. Bracket  101  has mounting points  102 ,  103 ,  104  and  105 . Extension members  110  and  111  fit within bracket  101 . The extension members of this embodiment extend enough to provide the ability for this embodiment, when mounted on the tailgate, to slide over the end of the tailgate when the frame is extended outwardly. Of course, the length of the extension members in other embodiments depends upon the desired extension. For example, an embodiment installed in the tailgate or near the top of the tailgate may need only a short, two inches or less, extension member.  
         [0052]    As explained below, the actual amount the frame  125  is extended is, in this embodiment, dependent upon the travel of bolts  126  and  127  (shown below in FIG. 9) within slots  118  and  119 . The extension of this embodiment provides the ability to rotate frame  125  entirely downwardly, thereby permitting easier loading, i.e., objects do not have to be lifted over frame  125  when it is unfolded entirely.  
         [0053]    Pivot means  120  and  121  pivot frame  125  about the end of extension members  110  and  111 . Frame  125  is braced by support tubes  122  and  123 . Side frames  130  and  131  pivot about the frame  125  by way of pivot means  132 ,  133 ,  134  and  135 . Of course, in other embodiments, the pivot means may be of any type or number known in the art, such as single pivots, hinges, etc. Side plates  116  and  117  are fixed to side frames  130  and  131 , and are used to fix the side frames in place as set forth below.  
         [0054]    This entire embodiment is constructed of steel tubing. Of course, other materials known in the art can be used as well, such as aluminum, plastic etc. Additionally, the frames of this embodiment and other embodiments, as well as the other components, of this and other embodiments, can be covered in plastic or other materials for aesthetic or other reasons. The frames, skins and other components may be molded or made, through methods and materials known in the art, of single piece construction. For example, the frame used at the rear, the skin for the frame and the pivot means used for the frame may all be molded into a single piece of structural foam, ABS plastic, or other materials known in the art. Other components may be similarly constructed through one piece construction.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 9 shows the embodiment of FIG. 8 unfolded on the truck tailgate in a top view. The side frames are held in place by pins  106  and  107 , inserted through side plates  116  and  117 , as well as by screws  103   a  and  104   a  inserted through mounting points  103  and  104 , as is described below. Of course, in other embodiments, other means known in the art may be used to retain the side frames. Pins  106  and  107  are also used to retain the frame  125  when it is folded flat against the tailgate. Of course, in other embodiments, other means known in the art may be used to retain the frame against the tailgate.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 10 is a view taken along line X-X of FIG. 9. Screw  104   a  is used through mounting point  104  (not shown here) to mount bracket  101  to the truck. Screw  104   a  has a head that protrudes from bracket  101  so that the bottom of side frame  131  is retained. Side frame  131  is also retained by pin  107 , the end of which is shown in this Figure, which passes through side plate  117  and bracket  101 . Slot  118  has bolt  126  riding therein. Bolt  126  retains extension member  111 , as is seen in further detail in FIG. 11.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 12 shows a view of another preferred embodiment. Brackets  151  and  152  retain extension members  155  and  156 . Pivot means  157  and  158  pivots frame  163 , comprised of base  163   a  and top  163   b . Pivot means  164 ,  165 ,  166 , and  167  pivot side frames  161  and  162  outwardly.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 13 shows a view of another preferred embodiment. Brackets  171  and  172  retain extension members  175  and  176 . Also seen are straps  173  and  174  providing additional support of the embodiment on the tailgate. Pivot means  177  and  178  pivot frame  183 . Pivot means  184 ,  185 ,  186 , and  187  pivot side frames  181  and  182  outwardly. Center tube  180  provides additional structural support to frame  183 .  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 14 shows a view of another preferred embodiment. Brackets  191 ,  192 ,  193  and  194  retain extension members  195  and  196 . These brackets are relatively small in relation to the extension members, and two are used to retain each member. Of course, in this and other embodiments the brackets may take on various shapes, and may (or may not) be integrated with the mounting means. Pivot means  197  and  198  pivot frame  203 . Pivot means  204 ,  205 ,  206 , and  207  pivot side frames  201  and  202  outwardly. Center tube  200  provides additional structural support to frame  203 .  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 15 shows a view of another preferred embodiment. Brackets  210  and  212  retain extension members  215  and  216 . Also seen is strap  213  providing additional support of the embodiment on the tailgate. Pivot means  217  and  218  pivots frame  223 . Pivot means  224 ,  225 ,  226 , and  227  pivot side frames  221  and  222  outwardly. Knobs  229  and  230  tighten the extension members  215  and  216  in place, through pass through bolts in brackets  210  and  212 . Stop pins  211  and  214  prevent the extension members from falling out of their respective brackets.  
         [0061]    FIGS.  16 - 20  show an embodiment that is recessed on a tailgate. FIG. 16 shows the lowered tailgate with the recessed embodiment in phantom. FIG. 17 shows the unfolded embodiments as seen from the inside of the tailgate looking toward the outside. FIG. 18 shows a view of the frames as recessed within the tailgate.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 19 shows an end view of this embodiment. FIG. 20 shows a view taken along the line XX-XX. Turning back to FIG. 18 pivot points  230  and  231  can be seen which pivot the embodiment upwardly. Also seen are pivots  232 ,  233 ,  234  and  235  which pivot side frames  236  and  237  outwardly. FIG. 17 shows side frame  237  pivoted outwardly from frame  240 . Not seen in this embodiment, but present in other similar embodiments is a retention mechanism for keeping the side frames close to or attached to the truck sides when unfolded. Examples of such retention mechanisms as known in the art are pins, screws, magnets and the like.  
         [0063]    This entire embodiment is constructed of steel tubing. Of course, other materials known in the art can be used as well, such as aluminum, plastic etc. Frame  240  is, in this embodiment, covered with a plastic skin. Additionally, the other frames of this embodiment and other embodiments, as well as the other components, of this and other embodiments, can be covered in plastic or other materials for aesthetic or other reasons. The frames, skins and other components may be molded or made, through methods and materials known in the art, of single piece construction. For example, the frame used at the rear, the skin for the frame and the pivot means used for the frame may all be molded into a single piece of structural foam, ABS plastic, or other materials known in the art. Other components may be similarly constructed through one piece construction.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 21 shows an alternate mounting arrangement. Here screw  300  is used to secure bracket  301  by way of clamp  302 . This mounting arrangement may be especially useful when a tailgate has indentations.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIGS. 22 and 23 show an embodiment which provides for additional support for an tailgate with an embodiment mounted thereon. Rubber strap  310  is attached to tailgate support b with clamps  311  and  312 . Tailgate supports such as b, comprising a cable or metal beam are commonly used to retain the tailgate when opened. Rubber strap  310  lessens the weight of the tailgate for the user as the tailgate is opened and closed. Of course, the straps can be made of any material sufficiently elastic known in the art, in order to assist in the opening and closing of the tailgate of a vehicle, when embodiments of the present invention are installed upon the vehicle, and the clamps can also be made of any materials known in the art.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIGS. 24 and 25 show an embodiment which uses a sliding block  315  to also support the tailgate. This block helps prevent the tailgate from bouncing, and as seen at FIG. 25 passes through the bracket of this embodiment and may be slid back and forth through that bracket. FIG. 26 shows a rubber block  320  placed in the gap between the tailgate and truck bed which has the same effect as the block of FIG. 25 and  26 , that is, to prevent bouncing of the tailgate of a vehicle, when embodiments of the present invention are installed upon the vehicle. Of course, the block can be made of any material known in the art.  
         [0067]    A pickup tailgate is not the only vehicle with which embodiments of the present vehicle may be utilized. Other vehicles with storage areas, including sport utility vehicles, vans, station wagons and the like may utilize embodiments of the present invention to extend storage areas, whether by incorporation in the original vehicle or after market additions.  
         [0068]    Other embodiments of the invention also may have a mounting apparatus on the rear of the vehicle, rather than on the tailgate. For example, a bracket may be mounted between the rear side walls of the bed of a pickup truck, and so retain the device upon the vehicle. Of course, other embodiments may have other means of fastening the device to the vehicle bed. For example, use of one or more straps, extending from one or more side frames to anchor points on the truck side walls, may be possible.  
         [0069]    The above description and the views and material depicted by the figures are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be, and should not be construed as, limitations on the invention.  
         [0070]    Moreover, certain modifications or alternatives may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art upon reading of this specification, all of which are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the attached claims.