Abstract:
A sliding cargo carrier for use in motor vehicles has a slideable frame assembly and deck for supporting cargo. The deck is supported on an upper frame which is slideably mounted on a base frame attached to the vehicle. The deck is extendable and retractable within the vehicle to allow easy access to cargo stored thereon. The slideable frame assembly can be readily removed and reinstalled in the vehicle. Additional storage assemblies selectively positioned on the slideable frame assembly increase the storage potential of the sliding cargo carrier.

Description:
Priority for this application is claimed from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/861,674 entitled “Cargo Slide For Vehicle” filed on Nov. 28, 2006 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention is directed to a sliding cargo carrier for use in the storage bed or back of a vehicle. The deck for storing cargo is horizontally slideable and can be moved between an extended configuration and retracted configuration. The cargo carrier further includes additional storage devices that can be added onto the deck or removed from the deck as desired. 
     Some storage areas in a vehicle are difficult to access. These less accessible areas are typically located in the rear compartment of a vehicle, generally behind the cab of a truck and away from the rear doors of a van, SUV or delivery truck. To maneuver cargo into and out of these more remote areas is difficult and can necessitate crawling into and out of the vehicle when loading or unloading. The task can be cumbersome and time consuming when loading and unloading cargo from a vehicle. As a result, these less accessible storage areas are often left empty when hauling cargo, thereby diminishing the storage capability and efficiency of the vehicle. 
     Cargo carriers with moveable decks that can slide into and out of a vehicle are known in the prior art. These carriers are adapted for use in automotive vehicles. A moveable deck is typically mounted in the bed or back of the vehicle and can be extended and retracted from the vehicle. Cargo can be loaded onto the deck or unloaded from the deck when the deck is extended. Once loaded, the deck can be retracted into the vehicle. The moveable deck allows a user to readily access those areas of a vehicle that are difficult to reach. However, the cargo carriers of the prior art are permanently installed in the vehicle&#39;s storage bed and cannot be readily removed from the vehicle. Consequently, versatility of the vehicle is compromised with the carrier permanently installed in the vehicle&#39;s bed. 
     In addition, cargo carriers of the prior art are generally comprised of rail components that are loosely fitted together. These loosely fitted components are prone to vibrate and rattle against each other when the vehicle is in motion. The vibrations can create excessive noise that can be both dangerous and annoying for the driver and other occupants of the vehicle. Furthermore, the vibrations can cause unwanted wear and tear on the components, thereby decreasing the useful life of the cargo carrier. 
     Due to the arrangement of the components and the loose fittings of the sliding rails, the support decks of the prior art cargo carriers have an extension capability that is generally limited to less than half the length of the support deck. With such a small extension capability, access to the support deck for loading and unloading cargo is greatly limited. Therefore, with carriers of the prior art, it is difficult to readily access all of the area on the cargo deck&#39;s in the prior art. 
     In the sliding cargo carrier of the present invention, the close tolerances between the upper and lower rails allows the upper frame member and storage deck of the present invention to extend outwardly from a vehicle in which the carrier is installed for a distance of to up to 70% of the length of the deck. This allows a user easy access to the entire storage deck, so that cargo can be readily loaded and unloaded from the vehicle. Furthermore, the shape of the upper and lower rails and the engagement therebetween ensures that the sliding cargo carrier remains stable even when the storage deck is fully extended. 
     In the present invention, the slideable frame assembly including the deck, the base frame, and the sliding upper frame can be quickly removed from the bed of the vehicle when not needed and then readily reinstalled when desired. Since the sliding cargo carrier of the present invention can be quickly removed and installed in a vehicle, versatility of a vehicle&#39;s storage area can be greatly enhanced. 
     The interlocking panels comprising the deck can be readily disassembled. Along with the remaining components of the present invention, the panels of a sliding cargo carrier can be disassembled are sized to all fit into a standard sized container that can be shipped by conventional carriers, such as the United States Postal Service, Federal Express and United Parcel Service. This enables the sliding cargo carrier to be shipped at an economical cost. 
     The elements comprising the sliding cargo carrier are manufactured with close tolerances. In particular, the upper and lower rails are precision extrusions which decrease the play between the interlocked sliding rails. When the deck is moved or the vehicle is in motion, vibrations between components of the carrier are deterred which can reduce noise levels and also extend the useable life of the invention. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention is directed to a sliding cargo carrier which provides easily accessible storage in the bed of a motor vehicle. The device comprises a retractable cargo bed having a base frame on which an upper frame is slideably supported. The upper frame includes a deck for supporting cargo thereon. The sliding cargo carrier can be alternately moved between retracted and extended configurations. In the extended configuration, easy access to all areas of the deck is allowed. An auxiliary storage assembly includes receptacles that can be selectively positioned on the slideable frame assembly to increase the storage potential of the retractable storage deck. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage device for holding cargo in the back of a vehicle, such as a truck and van, wherein the storage device enables easy access to the cargo stored thereon. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sliding cargo carrier that can be retrofitted into the bed of a vehicle. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sliding cargo carrier with a slideable frame assembly that can be readily removed from a vehicle and readily reinstalled when desired. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sliding cargo carrier with a sliding cargo deck that can extend out of the a vehicle a distance of up to 70% of the deck&#39;s length. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lock assembly that deters extension of the slideable frame assembly beyond a selected position in order to inhibit over-extending the frame assembly. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a deck for a slideable frame assembly that comprises a plurality of interlocking panels that can be disassembled for shipping and storing. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sliding cargo carrier for a vehicle that creates a minimal amount of noises during use. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sliding cargo carrier comprising base and upper frames and having a close tolerance between the base and upper frames in order to decrease the vibrations therebetween. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which are shown illustrative embodiments of the invention and from which novel features and advantages will be apparent. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the sliding cargo carrier of the present invention installed in the bed of a vehicle and disposed in the extended configuration with the storage devices removed. 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective of the sliding cargo carrier of  FIG. 1  in the retracted configuration with the deck removed. 
         FIG. 3  is a front planar view of the sliding cargo carrier of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a partial front perspective view of the right front side of the sliding cargo carrier of  FIG. 1  showing the frame securing assembly engaging the holddown portion on the base frame. 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of the slideable frame assembly with the deck removed and the frame securing assembly of the sliding cargo carrier of  FIG. 1  in the retracted configuration. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of two interlocking panels comprised by the deck of the sliding cargo carrier of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  show a planar front view of part of the lock assembly of the sliding cargo carrier of  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 7A , the detent device is in the locked mode. In  FIG. 7B , the detent device is in the unlocked mode. 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view of the first storage device of the sliding cargo carrier shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first mounting bracket and the first lower rail of the upper frame comprised by the sliding cargo carrier of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 10  is a partially exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the second storage device of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded top perspective view of one of the detent devices of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 12  is a second embodiment of the sliding cargo carrier of  FIG. 1  with the tray assembly. 
         FIG. 13  is a partial exploded perspective view of the second embodiment of the sliding cargo carrier of  FIG. 12  showing the upper frame with the deck removed and the tray assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The sliding cargo carrier  1  shown in  FIG. 1  comprises a slideable frame assembly  5 , means for releasably attaching the slideable frame assembly to a vehicle, and means for additional storage. The slideable frame assembly  5  includes a base frame  10 , an upper frame  20  and means for slideably mounting the upper frame on the base frame. A deck  40  is mounted on the upper frame  20 . 
     The sliding cargo carrier  1  further includes means for locking the slideable frame assembly in a selected configuration. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the base frame  10  is formed by first  11  and second  12  lower rails that extend parallel to each other. Crossing the lower rails  11 , 12  in a generally perpendicular orientation are the front  13 , middle  14 , and rear  15  transverse members. The transverse members  13 , 14 , 15  extend generally parallel to each other. The front transverse member  13  includes a holddown portion  29  disposed on each end thereof. 
     The upper frame  20  includes first  21  and second  22  upper rails and fore  23  and aft  24  cross members. A plurality of transverse support bars  78  and a pair of braces  109  are included on the upper frame  20 . The transverse support bars  78  and braces  109  provide additional reinforcement for the upper frame  20 . 
     The fore  23  and aft  24  cross members and the transverse support bars  78  are generally parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to the upper rails  21 , 22 . Each of the first  21  and second  22  upper rails extend generally parallel to each other. 
     The second upper rail  22  is a mirror image of the first upper rail  21 . Therefore, it should be noted that the elements of both the first  21  and second  22  upper rails are represented by the upper rail shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . Similarly, the first  11  and second  12  lower rails are mirror images of each other, also shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
     Each upper rail  21 ,  22  includes an upper supporting guide  27 , a guide wall  26 , and a base  25 . The upper supporting guide  27  extends outwardly from one end of the respective guide wall  26 . A base  25  extends outwardly from an opposite end of each respective guide wall  26 . 
     The means for slideably mounting the upper frame on the base frame is a slide assembly  30 . The slide assembly  30  includes a plurality of rollers  31  and a pair of roller guides  32 . 
     The means for releasably attaching the slideable frame assembly to a vehicle is a frame securing assembly  80 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The frame securing assembly  80  is comprised of left  84  and right  85  releasable clamps. The left  84  and right  85  releasable clamps are mirror images of each other. Therefore, the left releasable clamp  84  is a reversal of the right releasable clamp  85  shown in  FIG. 4 . Each of said left  84  and right  85  releasable clamps has a vehicle attaching portion  81 , a frame receiving portion  82 , and a holddown screw  83 . The holddown screw  83  is threadedly engaged with a respective frame receiving portion  82  on each of the releasable clamps  84 , 85 . 
     On the upper frame  20 , the deck  40  is a planar structure having an upper support surface  41 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 6 . The deck  40  is comprised of a plurality of interlocking panels  42 . Each of the panels  42  has a top  43 , a bottom  44 , and first  45  and second  46  sides. A plurality of ribs  47  extends between the top  43  and bottom  44  of each panel  42 . The first  45  and second  46  sides include means for interlocking the panels. 
     The means for interlocking the panels is an interlocking joint which comprises first  48  and second  49  interlocking elements. The first interlocking element  48  is on the first side  45  of each panel and includes a first curvature  51 , a first groove  52 , and an upward protuberance  53 . The upward protuberance  53  and first groove  52  extend along a lower edge of the first side  45 . 
     The second interlocking element  49  is on the second side  46  of each panel  42  and is comprised by a second curvature  54 , a second groove  55 , and a downward protuberance  56 . The downward protuberance  56  and second groove  55  extend along a lower edge of the second side  46  on each panel  42 . 
     In a first preferred embodiment shown by  FIG. 2 , means for additional storage is an auxiliary storage assembly  100 . The storage assembly  100  includes first  90  and second  91  storage devices. The first storage device  90  as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  includes a side storage receptacle  92  and a first mounting bracket  93  for securing the side storage receptacle  92  to the upper frame  20 . The first mounting bracket  93  has a frame engaging portion  98  and a clamping jaw  104  which includes a set screw  99  and a plurality of side receptacle clamps  97 . The set screw  99  comprised by the clamping jaw  104  secures the frame engaging portion  98  to the upper frame  20  of the sliding cargo carrier  1 . The plurality of side receptacle clamps  97  secures the side storage receptacle  92  to the first mounting bracket  93 . 
     The second storage device  91  in  FIGS. 2 and 10  includes a plurality of cross storage receptacles  94  and a second mounting bracket  95 . In a preferred embodiment, the second storage device  91  has two cross storage receptacles  94 . However, the size and number of storage receptacles can vary as desired. 
     The second mounting bracket  95  has a frame clamp  96  for releasably securing the second storage device  91  to the upper frame  20  and a plurality of cross receptacle clamps  110  for attaching the cross storage receptacles  94  to the second mounting bracket  95 . The frame clamp  96  is formed by a transverse support piece  101  and a pair of rail clamps  102 . The rail clamps  102  releasably secure the second storage device  91  to the first  21  and second  22  upper rails of the upper frame  20 . 
     The means for locking the slideable frame assembly in a selected configuration is a lock assembly  60  as shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  7 A and  7 B. The lock assembly  60  comprises a detent actuator mechanism which includes an actuating plate  61 , a primary actuating cable  62 , first  63  and second  64  detent cables, and a handle  65 . Further comprised by the lock assembly  60  are first  66  and second  67  detent devices and a plurality of locking apertures  68  disposed in the first  11  and second  12  lower rails of the base frame  10 . 
     The first  66  and second  67  detent devices are mirror images of each other. Therefore, the following description of the first detent device  66  is also descriptive of the second detent device  67 . Referring to  FIG. 11 , each of the detent devices  66 , 67  comprises a mounting plate  69 , a locking pin  70  and a spring  77 . The locking pin  70  is elongated with a wheel  71  rotatably positioned on one end, a shoulder  72  disposed on a midsection of the pin&#39;s length, and a guide projection  73 . The guide projection  73  is a protuberance that extends outwardly from a side of the locking pin  70 . The mounting plate  69  has a channel  74  and a stop  75 . A guide slot  76  extends along the length of the channel  74 . 
     On the base frame  10 , each of the first  11  and second  12  lower rails have a generally J-shaped cross sectional shape as shown in  FIG. 7A . The particular cross sectional shape of each lower rail  11 , 12  is formed by a foot  16 , sidewall  17  and downward hook  18 . In a preferred embodiment, the front  13 , middle  14 , and rear  15  transverse members in  FIG. 2  each have a generally rectangular cross sectional shape. With the lower rails  11 , 12  extending generally perpendicular to the transverse members  13 , 14 , 15 , the base frame  10  has a generally rectangular shape. 
     The upper frame  20  is also generally rectangular in shape and preferably conforms somewhat to the size and shape of the base frame  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  7 A and  8 , the first mounting bracket  93  of the first storage device  90  has a generally T-shaped cross section. The first mounting bracket  93  overlays the upper supporting guide  27  of a respective upper rail  21 , 22 . The set screw  99  on the first mounting bracket  93  can be tightened to lock the clamping jaw  104  to the upper supporting guide  27  and thereby secure the first storage device  90  to the upper frame  20 . The first mounting bracket  93  allows the first storage device  90  to be selectively position and locked in position on the upper frame  20  of the slideable frame assembly  5 . 
     The second mounting bracket  95  of the second storage device  91  is generally U-shaped as shown in  FIG. 2  and is comprised by the transverse support piece  101  and rail clamps  102 . Each of the rail clamps  102  are disposed on opposite ends of the transverse support piece  101  and include a locking screw  103 . The rail clamps  102  are releasably secure the second storage device  91  at selected positions on the upper frame  20 . The first  90  and second  91  storage devices can be added onto or removed from the slideable frame assembly  5  as desired by a user. 
     On each of the left  84  and right  85  releasable clamps of the frame securing assembly  80  in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the vehicle attaching portion  81  is planar and the frame receiving portion  82  is L-shaped. The vehicle attaching portion  81  extends outwardly from the frame receiving portion  82  giving the frame securing assembly  80  a generally Z-shaped appearance. Each of the holddown screws  83  extends through a respective frame receiving portion  82 . 
     In the preferred embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 6 , the interlocking panels  42  of the deck  40  are comprised of precision-extruded aluminum. Likewise, the base frame  10  and upper frame  20  are also comprised of precision-extruded aluminum. Although the panels  42  and frames  10 , 20  are preferably made of aluminum, other suitable materials including lightweight metals, composites or plastics, could be used instead. The precision-extrusion allows for close tolerances between the components of the sliding cargo carrier  1 , which is particularly beneficial for the moveable components. The close tolerances deter vibrations which inhibits attendant noises and also inhibits wear and tear on the sliding cargo carrier  1 . 
     The base frame  10  supports the upper frame  20  on the installation vehicle. The upper frame  20  is moveable relative to the base frame  10  and can be moved into and out of the vehicle bed by a sliding motion. The upper support surface  41  of the deck  40  provides a space on the sliding cargo carrier  1  for holding cargo. Means for interlocking the panels secure adjacent panels  42  to one another to form the deck  40 . The tops  43  of the interlocking panels  42  cooperate to form the upper support surface  41  of the assembled deck  40 . 
     The engagement between the first  48  and second  49  interlocking elements on the sides  45 ,  46  of two adjacent, engaged panels  42  provides an interlocking joint. The strength of the interlocking joint is enhanced by downward forces created when a load is placed on the upper support surface  41  of the deck  40 . In addition, the ribs  47  provide lightweight reinforcement for strengthening the load capacity of the deck  40 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the guide walls  26  and upper supporting guides  27  on the upper rails  21 , 22  cooperate with the lower rails  11 , 12  and maintain alignment between the upper  20  and base  10  frames. In addition, the cooperation between the roller guides  32  and the rollers  31  facilitates the sliding movement between the upper frame  20  and the base frame  10 . As the rollers  31  move across the roller guides  32 , the upper frame  20  is carried horizontally across the base frame  10 . 
     The frame securing assembly  80  of  FIG. 4  releasably secures the sliding cargo carrier  1  to a vehicle by directly clamping the base frame  10  onto the vehicle. The sliding cargo carrier  1  is preferably mounted in the back or bed of the vehicle. The holddown screw  83  on the frame securing assembly  80  can be selectively engaged with the front transverse member  13  of the base frame  10  to secure the slideable frame assembly  5  onto the bed of the vehicle. Conversely, the holddown screw  83  can be loosened and disengaged from the front transverse member  13  whereby the slideable frame assembly  5  can then be removed from the vehicle&#39;s bed. 
     The first  90  and second  91  storage devices provide additional cargo storage on the upper frame  20  as shown in FIGS.  2  and  8 - 10 . On the first storage device  90 , the first mounting bracket  93  releasably attaches the side storage receptacle  92  to the upper frame  20  at selected positions on the upper rails  21 , 22 . When the frame engaging portion  98  of the first mounting bracket  93  is released, the first storage device  90  can be removed from the upper frame  20 . 
     Regarding the second storage device  91 , the second mounting bracket  95  attaches the cross storage receptacles  94  to the upper frame  20 . The second mounting bracket  95  supports the cross storage receptacles  94 . Alternatively, the second storage device  51  can be removed from the upper frame  20 . Each of the two rail clamps  102  comprised by the frame clamp  96  of the second mounting bracket  95  releasably attaches to a respective upper rail  21 , 22  on the upper frame  20 . Therefore, the second mounting bracket  95  can be secured in selected positions on the upper rails  21 , 22 , or can be removed from the upper frame&#39;s upper rails  21 , 22 . 
     The lock assembly  60  releasably secures the upper frame  20  at various selected positions along the base frame  10 . By engaging the locking apertures  68  in the sidewalls  17  of the base frame&#39;s lower rails  11 , 12 , the locking pins  70  can selectively secure the upper frame  20  to the base frame  10 . This substantially inhibits relative horizontal movement between the upper  20  and base  20  frames. On each of the locking pins  70 , the wheel  71  facilitates alignment of the base frame  10  with the upper frame  20 . The wheels  71  facilitate the sliding movement between the base  10  and upper  20  frames, assist in maintaining horizontal alignment of the frames  10 , 20 , and decrease vibrations between the upper  20  and base  10  frames to inhibit noise levels. 
     The detent actuator mechanism provides an interface for the user to manipulate the lock assembly  60  between its lock and unlocked modes. By pulling the handle  65  forward in a direction away from the upper frame  20 , the detent actuator mechanism is activated to disengage the locking pins  70  from their respective locking apertures  68 . This releases the lock assembly  60  and the upper frame  20  is free to slide on the base frame  10 . 
     Specifically, when the handle  65  is pulled forward, the actuating plate  61  is rotated via the primary actuating cable  62 . As it rotates, the actuating plate  61  exerts a pulling force on the first  63  and second  64  detent cables which in turn pulls on the attached locking pins  70  of the respective first  66  and second  67  detent devices. The locking pins  70  are pulled inwardly in a direction away from the adjacent lower rails  11 , 12 . 
     When no force is being applied to the handle  65 , the springs  77  of the respective detent devices  66 , 67  urge the locking pins  70  outwardly in a direction toward the most proximate lower rail  11 , 12  of the base frame  10 . When the locking pins  70  are urged outwardly, the wheel  71  of each locking pin  70  can either engage locking apertures  68  in the sidewalls  17  of the respective lower rails  11 , 12  or rest against the sidewalls  17  of the respective lower rails  11 , 12 . When the handle  65  is pulled with enough force to overcome the bias of the springs  77 , the locking pins  70  are drawn inwardly in a direction away from the respective proximate lower rails  11 , 12  and out of engagement with the locking apertures  68 . With the locking pins  70  disengaged from the locking apertures  68 , the upper frame  20  is free to slide on the base frame  10 . Also, with the wheels  71  of the locking pins  70  engaging the sidewalls  17 , the upper frame  20  is free to slide on the base frame  10 . 
     The upper frame  20  is supported on the base frame  10 . As such, the first  21  and second  22  upper rails are supported respectively on the first  11  and second  12  lower rails. Referring to  FIG. 7B , the upper supporting guide  27  on each of the upper rails  21 , 22  overlays the downward hook  18  on the respective cooperating lower rail  11 , 12 . The roller guides  32  disposed on the respective guide walls  26  on the first  21  and second  22  upper rails of the upper frame  20  rest on the rollers  31  disposed on the respective first  11  and second  12  lower rails of the base frame  10 . Consequently, the upper frame  20  can readily be moved by sliding it horizontally across the base frame  10 . 
     The deck  40  in  FIG. 1  is comprised by a plurality of interlocking panels  42  adjoined by the means for interlocking the panels in a side by side arrangement. The means for interlocking the panels is a plurality of interlocking joints. Each interlocking joint connects adjacent panels  42 A,B together as shown by example in FIG.  6  to form the assembled deck  40 . Therefore, when the deck  40  is assembled, the first side  45  of one panel  42 A is interlocked with the second side  46  of an adjacent panel  42 B and the panels  42 A,B are interlocked in a series. 
     To connect a first  45  and second  46  side of two adjacent panels  42 A,B, the first  51  and second  54  curvatures of two adjacent panels  42 A,B are nested together, the upward protuberance  53  of one panel&#39;s first side  45  is inserted into the second groove  55  of the other panel&#39;s second side  46 , and the first groove  52  on the one panel&#39;s first side  45  receives the downward protuberance  56  of the other panel&#39;s second side  46 . 
     The interlocking joint between two connected panels  42  transfers the weight of a load placed on the deck via two main pathways. For example, a portion of the load W 1  on panel  42 A transfers a downward force F 1  through the first side  45  of the panel  42 A to the second side  46  of the adjacent panel  42 B. A portion of the load W 2  on panel  42 B transfers a downward force F 2  through the second side  46  and into the first groove  52  on the first side  45  via the downward protuberance  56 . With this arrangement each of the interlocking joints provides a connection between the panels  42  that actively resists the forces created by the weight of cargo resting on the upper support surface  41  of the deck  40 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the vehicle attaching portion  81  of each left  84  and right  85  releasable clamp on the frame securing assembly  80  is attached to a vehicle by bolts, screws, rivets or other suitable attachments. The frame receiving portion  82  extends outwardly from the vehicle attaching portion  81 . When the sliding cargo carrier  1  is installed in a vehicle, the frame receiving portion  82  overlays the respective holddown portion  29  on the outer ends of the front transverse member  13 . The holddown screws  83  are tightened against the respective holddown portions  29  to secure the base frame  10  onto the vehicle. 
     The lock assembly  60  is mounted on the slideable frame assembly  5  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The first detent device  66  is positioned on one end of one of the transverse support bar  78  and the second detent device  67  is positioned on the opposite end of the transverse support bar  78 . The actuating plate  61  is mounted on the transverse support bar  78  by a pivotal attachment  108 . The pivotal attachment  108  is positioned on a midsection of the transverse support bar  78  between the detent devices  66 , 67 . 
     The actuating plate  61  is characterized by first  105 , second  106  and primary  107  anchor points. The first  105  and second  106  anchor points are substantially collinear with the pivotal attachment  108 . The primary anchor point  107  is offset from a line extending through the first anchor point  105 , the second anchor point  106 , and the pivotal attachment  108 . 
     The handle  65  of the lock assembly  60  is slideably mounted on the fore cross member  23  of the upper frame  20 . The primary actuating cable  62  is attached at one end to the handle  65  and is attached at the other end to the primary anchor point  107  on the actuating plate  61 . The first  63  and second  64  detent cables are respectively attached at one of their ends to the first  105  and second  106  anchor points on the actuating plate  61 . The other end of the first detent cable  63  is attached to the locking pin  70  on the first detent device  66  and the other end of the second detent cable  64  is attached to the locking pin  70  on the second detent device  67 . 
     On each of the detent devices  66 , 67  shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  7 A and  11 , the locking pin  70  is mounted in the channel  74  on the mounting plate  69 . The guide projection  73  on the locking pin  70  is slideably disposed in the guide slot  76  of the channel  74 . One end of each locking pin  70  extends outwardly from the respective channel  74  and rests in the outward arms of the respective stop  75 . The first  63  and second  64  detent cables are attached to the ends of the respective locking pins  70  resting on the stop  75 . On each of the mounting plates  69 , the spring  77  is held in compression between the locking pin&#39;s shoulder  72  and the stop  75 . Each of the mounting plates  69  on the first  66  and second  67  detent devices is secured to the guide wall  26  of the respective first  21  and second  22  upper rails. 
     The first storage device  90  in  FIGS. 2 ,  8  and  9  is adapted to be supported at selected positions on the upper frame  20 . The first mounting bracket  93  attaches to the upper rails  21 , 22 . When attached, the frame engaging portion  98  of the first mounting bracket  93  overlays the upper supporting guide  27  of the respective upper rail  21 , 22 . A set screw  99  releasably secures one of the receptacle clamps  97  to the first mounting bracket  93  and releasably locks the clamping jaw  104  of the first mounting bracket  93  onto the guide wall  26  of an upper rail  21 , 22 . 
     The second storage device  91  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 10  is also mounted on the upper frame  20 . The frame clamp  96  of the second mounting bracket  95  spans the upper frame  20  and engages the first  21  and second  22  upper rails. When installed, each of the rail clamps  102  are adjacent to the upper supporting guide  27  of each respective first  21  and second  22  upper rail. The locking screw  103  extends through a respective rail clamp  102  and engages the upper rail  21 , 22  to lock the second storage device  91  on the upper frame  20 . The second storage device  91  can be moved to various selected positions by releasing the rail clamps  102 , sliding the second mounting bracket  95  along the length of the upper frame&#39;s upper rails  21 , 22  and securing the rail clamps  102 . 
     The sliding cargo carrier  1  is sized to fit into a vehicle, such as into the bed of a pick-up truck. Alternatively, the sliding cargo carrier  1  could be suitably sized for installation in the back of a van, sport utility vehicle, delivery truck or other desired vehicles. 
     The sliding cargo carrier  1  of the present invention has extended and retracted configurations, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively. In the retracted configuration, the upper frame  20  is generally centered over the base frame  10  so that the upper frame  20  is substantially aligned vertically with the base frame  10 . 
     Specifically, the rear transverse member  15  of the base frame  10  is generally aligned vertically with the aft cross member  24  of the upper frame  20  and the front transverse member  13  is generally aligned vertically with the fore cross member  23 . Furthermore, when installed the upper frame  20  is preferably fully contained within the vehicle when retracted. 
     In the extended configuration of a preferred embodiment, the upper frame  20  is vertically offset from the base frame  10 , so that at least a portion of the upper frame  20  extends beyond the front transverse member  13  of the base frame  10 . As such, the front  13  and rear  15  transverse members of the base frame  10  are vertically offset from the respective fore  23  and aft  24  cross members of the upper frame  20 . When the sliding cargo carrier  1  is installed in a vehicle, up to about 70% of the upper frame  20  can be extended beyond the confines of the vehicle. 
     The lock assembly  60  further includes locked and unlocked modes shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , respectively. The locking pins  70  on the lock assembly&#39;s detent devices  66 ,  67  can be engaged with the locking apertures  68  and alternately disengaged from the locking apertures  68  to define the respective locked and unlocked modes. 
     Specifically, in the locked mode shown in  FIG. 7A , the locking pins  70  are positioned in a pair of locking apertures  68  on the lower rails  11 , 12 . In this mode, the upper frame  20  is deterred from sliding on the base frame  10 . The locking apertures  68  in the sidewalls  17  of the base frame&#39;s lower rails  11 , 12  are arranged in a series of opposing pairs. This arrangement enables the upper frame  20  to be secured at various selected positions along the base frame  10 . 
     In the unlocked mode as shown in  FIG. 7B , the lock assembly  60  is disengaged by withdrawing the locking pins  70  from the locking apertures  68 , whereby the upper frame  20  is free to move along the base frame  10 . The locking pins  70  are withdrawn from the locking apertures  68  by pulling on the handle  65  which rotates the actuating plate  61  via the primary actuating cable  62 . Rotation of the actuating plate  61  draws the first  63  and second  64  detent cables inwardly toward the actuating plate  61 . As a result, each of the first  63  and second  64  detent cables pulls the respective attached locking pin  70  inwardly and away from the locking apertures  68 . 
     Also in the unlocked mode, the wheels  71  on the locking pins  70  are free to roll along the respective sidewalls  17  of the base frame&#39;s lower rails  11 , 12  as the upper frame  20  moves over the base frame  10 . The sliding cargo carrier  1  can be moved between the retracted and extended configurations when the lock assembly  60  is in the unlocked mode. 
     To install the sliding cargo carrier  1  in a vehicle, the frame securing assembly  80  is initially installed in the vehicle. The slideable frame assembly  5  is then secured to the vehicle by the frame securing assembly  80  as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     In particular, the left  84  and right  85  releasable clamps of the frame securing assembly  80  are installed by affixing the vehicle attaching portions  81  to the bed of the vehicle by bolting, welding, riveting or other suitable methods. Once the releasable clamps  84 , 85  are installed in the vehicle, each of the holddown portions  29  of the front transverse member  13  is placed within a respective frame receiving portion  82  on the left  84  and right  85  releasable clamps. The holddown screws  83  on each of the releasable clamps  84 , 85  are tightened against the front transverse member  13 , thereby securing the base frame  10  to the vehicle. 
     Conversely, the slideable frame assembly  5  can be removed from the vehicle by loosening the holddown screws  83  on the releasable clamps  84 , 85  and removing the front transverse member  13  from the holddown portions  29  of the clamps  84 , 85 . The slideable frame assembly  5  can then be removed from the vehicle. 
     To adjust the upper frame  20  with respect to the base frame  10 , the lock assembly  60  is disengaged by pulling the handle  65 , thereby releasing the upper frame  20  for sliding movement on the lower frame  10 . The upper frame  20  can then be moved horizontally by pushing or pulling the upper frame  20 . When the upper frame  20  is in a desired position, the lock assembly  60  is engaged to secure the upper frame  20  against movement on the base frame  10 . 
     Preferably to lock the upper frame  20  at or proximate a desired location on the lower frame  10 , the handle  65  of the lock assembly  60  is released, allowing the locking pins  70  to spring outwardly toward the lower rails  11 , 12 . If the locking pins  70  are aligned with the locking apertures  68  on the lower rails  11 , 12 , then each locking pin  70  is urged into a respective aligned locking aperture  68 . If they are not aligned when the handle  65  is released, each of the wheels  71  engages an opposing sidewall  17  as the locking pins  70  are urged outwardly toward the lower rails  11 , 12 . In this position, the wheels  71  can ride along the respective sidewalls  17 . The upper frame  20  can be slid along the base frame  10  until the locking pins  70 , urged outwardly by the respective springs  77 , snap into the next pair of locking apertures  68  that come into alignment with the locking pins  70 . 
     In the retracted configuration, the locking pins  70  are disposed in the pair of opposing locking apertures  68  that are located closest to the rear transverse member  15  on the back of the base frame  10 . 
     In the extended configuration, the locking pins  70  can be disposed in any of the other locking apertures  68  that are spaced away from the back of the base frame  10  and not nearest to the rear transverse member  15 . By moving the upper frame  20  into these respective positions, the sliding cargo carrier  1  can be moved between the retracted and extended configurations, as desired. Alternatively, the wheels  71  can be resting against the lower rail&#39;s sidewalls  17  and not positioned in a pair of locking apertures  73  in the extended configuration. 
     In a second preferred embodiment of the sliding cargo carrier  1  shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  the storage assembly  100  further comprises a third storage device. The third storage device is a tray  200  that can be removably attached to the slideable frame assembly  5 . The tray  200  provides additional space for supporting items above the deck  40  on the sliding cargo carrier  1 . 
     The tray  200  includes a table  201  and an articulating table bracket  210  for adjustably supporting the table  201  on the upper frame  20  of the sliding cargo carrier  1 . The articulating table bracket  210  comprises a support block  202  and a pivoting arm  203 . The support block  202  includes a pivot post  204  and is secured to the upper frame  20  by bolts or other suitable fasteners. The pivot post  204  extends upwardly from the upper frame  20 . The table  201  has an upper support surface  205  and a stud  206  extending from a lower surface  207  thereof. 
     The pivoting arm  203  has first  208  and second  209  tray clamps. The first tray clamp  208  adjustably secures the pivoting arm  203  to the pivot post  204  of the support block  202 . The second tray clamp  209  adjustably secures the table  201  to the pivoting arm  203 . 
     The table  201  can be adjusted vertically and horizontally. To adjust the table  201 , the first  208  and/or second  209  tray clamps are released and the table  201  is moved to a desired position. The tray clamps  208 ,  209  are then tightened to secure the table  201  in the selected position. The table  201  can be used to support desired items, such as food and beverage receptacles, barbecue grills and the like. 
     In the present invention, the aluminum, interlocking panels of the deck connect to each other to provide a strong, durable support surface for holding cargo. In addition, the disassembled elements that comprise the sliding cargo carrier, including the panels and slideable frame assembly are sized to fit into standard shipping containers. Therefore, when disassembled, the sliding cargo carrier can be packaged for transport by standard shipping carriers. 
     The sliding cargo carrier can be easily and quickly installed in a vehicle. The frame securing assembly enables a user to easily remove the slideable frame assembly from the vehicle when the sliding cargo carrier is not needed. Conversely, the sliding cargo carrier can be readily installed in the vehicle when needed. With easy removal and installation of the slideable frame assembly, versatility of the vehicle is greatly enhanced. 
     The means for additional storage significantly increases the storage capacity of the sliding cargo carrier. Not only does the auxiliary storage assembly provide for a more organized storage area, it also provides a more secure storage area for the cargo stored therein. 
     Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.