Abstract:
A toolbox system for pickup trucks that provides toolboxes or storage units are equipped with a guide track receiving a plurality of rollers to allow them to be extended out of the tailgate of the truck bed for easy access. The invention can be used with or without a bed cap. The guide track and rollers, similar in appearance and design to a heavy duty drawer slide system, is mounted on each side of the bed near the top edge of the bed area. The toolbox or storage system with drawers, conventional in design, then moves along the gide track. The toolbox or storage system may then be moved from its stowage position behind the cab area, by releasing a locking mechanism and sliding the toolbox to the rear of the bed. There, tools and other items can easily be removed without climbing into the bed area.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document Registration 496,082 filed on Jun. 28, 2001 under 35 U.S.C. §122 and 37 C.F.R. §1.14. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to vehicle storage organizers and, more particularly, to a truck bed organizer system. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     With sales at an all-time high, the popularity of the pick-up style truck as an everyday vehicle is more wide spread than it ever has been. Their utility and convenience in hauling items coupled with the availability of luxury interiors and extended cab space have made the pickup a popular alternative to other vehicles. The availability of aftermarket accessories also enhances the attractiveness of pickup trucks as well. Perhaps one of the most common accessories is that of the “behind-the-cab” type toolbox, for carrying tools and other smaller objects. However, accessing the toolbox is often a problem for many due to the height and depth limitations from only being able to reach the contents from the side of the truck. Many people are forced to climb up into the truck to reach the items located at the middle of the toolbox. 
     Consequently, the need has arisen for a means by which tools materials and other items stored in the bed of a pickup truck can be accessed in an easier manner with minimal effort. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved vehicle storage organizer. 
     It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved truck bed organizer system. 
     Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a toolbox system for pickup trucks that provides toolboxes or storage units are equipped with a rolling track system to allow them to be extended out of the tailgate of the truck bed for easy access. The invention can be used with or without a bed cap. The rolling track system, similar in appearance and design to a heavy duty drawer slide system is mounted on each side of the bed near the top edge of the bed area. The toolbox or storage system with drawers, conventional in design, then rides on the roller track system. The toolbox or storage system may then be moved from its stowage position behind the cab area, by releasing a locking mechanism and sliding the toolbox to the rear of the bed. There, tools and other items can easily be removed without climbing into the bed area. 
     The use of the present invention allows pickup truck users the ability to store tools and other items in a conventional style toolbox in the bed of the pickup truck, but yet allows ease of access to the toolbox from a grade position at the tailgate area of the truck bed in a manner which is quick, easy and effective. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cargo space divider that allows a pick-up truck bed or the like to be sectioned-off into smaller confined spaces for transporting smaller items in a safe and secure manner. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a cargo space divider that incorporates the use of dividing walls that section the cargo area in both the longitudinal and lateral dimensions. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a cargo space divider having lateral dividing walls that are capable of being positioned variably along the length of the cargo area, spanning its width. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a cargo space divider having lateral dividing walls that adjust telescopically so as to allow for installation in cargo areas of varying widths. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a cargo space divider having longitudinal dividing walls that connect to a pair of adjacent lateral dividing walls, spanning there between. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a cargo space divider having longitudinal dividing walls that adjust telescopically so as to allow for connection between a pair of adjacent lateral dividing walls being of varying relative spacing. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a cargo space divider that is easy to install and is adjustable so as to fit cargo spaces of varying size. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a cargo space divider that is sturdy in both construction and installation, providing a stable load support for items carried therein. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective of a vehicle storage organizer in which the frame components are detached. 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in which the frame components are attached and illustrating a single storage drawer and its varied components. 
     FIG. 3 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 in which the front face of the storage drawer is absent to illustrate the spatial arrangement and relationship among the divider walls, the guide track and the rollers. 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG.  2  and FIG. 3, and taken through line  4 — 4  of FIG. 2, in which a single storage drawer is shown with the rollers engaged with the guide tracks. 
     FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective of a storage drawer and illustrating the placement of the rollers and drawer dividers. 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective of the apparatus of FIG. 1 positioned within the bed of a typical truck. 
     FIG. 7-A is an exploded perspective of a bed fastener shown in a detached position. 
     FIG. 7-B is an exploded perspective of a bed fastener shown in an attached position to the bottom wall of the vehicle storage organizer, while remaining detached from bed surface of a vehicle. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
     Referring now to FIG.  1  and FIG. 2, a vehicle storage organizer  10  is shown, in accordance with the present invention, comprising a rectangular frame  11  that is deeper than its width and includes a top wall  12  and a bottom wall  14  each perpendicularly depending from a rear wall  16  and two opposable side walls  18  and  20  and forming a drawer area  22 . A plurality of divider walls  24  are placed within the drawer area  22  and fixedly attached to the top wall  12  and bottom wall  14  to form individualized storage compartments  26  capable of housing storage drawers  28 . The vehicle storage organizer  10  is preferably manufactured from a durable material, such as plastic, metal, or treated wood products, to withstand the typical use endured by a storage device. 
     The top wall  12  is fixedly attached to the rear wall  16  and the side walls  18  and  20  by an attachment means  46 , such as a screw, nail or other suitable means, at the points  30 ,  32 ,  34 , and  36 . The bottom wall  16  is fixedly attached to the rear wall  16  and the side walls  18  and  20  by an attachment means  46 , such as a screw of nail or other suitable means, at the points  38 ,  40 ,  42 , and  44 . A suitable sealing means  48  (not shown), such as silicon caulking or adhesive weather stripping, is placed along the edge portion of where the top wall  12  rests on the rear wall  16  and the side walls  18  and  20 , thus sealing the wall junctions from point  30  to  32 , from point  32  to  34 , and from point  34  to  36 . A suitable sealing means  48  (not shown) is also placed along the edge portion of where the bottom wall  14  supports the rear wall  16  and the side walls  18  and  20 , thus sealing the wall junctions from point  38  to  40 , from point  40  to  42 , and from point  42  to  44 . The sealing means  48  (not shown) acts to seal the drawer area  22  from moisture and other outside debris and to add structural integrity to the rectangular frame  11 . A plurality of bed fasteners  74  may be used to secure the bottom wall  14  to the bed surface  72  of a vehicle. 
     Referring now to FIG.  2  and FIG. 3, the divider walls  24  are placed within the storage area  22  in an arrangement parallel to the side walls  18  and  20  and fixedly attached to the top wall  12 , the bottom wall  14  and the rear wall  16  by a plurality of attachment means  46 . Each divider wall  24  houses a pair of C-shaped guide tracks  50  positioned along the lower portion, but on opposite sides, of the divider wall  24  and extends linearly from the front to the back of the divider wall  24 . The two side walls  18  and  20  each house a single guide track  50  along the inner portion of the side walls  18  and  20  and extend linearly from the front to the back of each side wall  18  and  20 . The guide track(s)  50  are capable of receiving a plurality of rollers  52  housed on the storage drawer  28 , thus allowing the storage drawer  28  to smoothly open and close. Optionally, the guide track(s)  50  may be housed along the lower side portion of the storage drawer  28  and the rollers may be housed along the lower portion of the side walls  18  and  20  and the divider walls  24 . 
     A storage drawer  28  includes a pair of opposable drawer side walls  54  and  56  each perpendicularly depending from a drawer base  58  and a front face  60  and a rear wall  62 , and which form to define a storage area  64 . The opposable drawer side walls  54  and  56  each have a plurality of rollers  52  located on the lower portion of the outside of the drawer side walls  54  and  56 , and which align with the guide track(s)  50  located on the frame side walls  18  and  20  or the divider wall(s)  24 . The rollers  52  slidably move along the guide track(s)  50  as the storage drawer  28  is opened or closed. The front face  60  houses a drawer handle  66  to provide a convenient means for grasping the storage drawer  28  for opening and closing. A plurality of drawer dividers  68  may be fixedly attached, by an attachment means  46 , to the storage drawer side walls  54  and  56  to further divide and compartmentalize an individual storage drawer  28  for specified storage needs. The front face  60  of the storage drawer  28  also houses a keyed lock  70 , providing a means for securely protecting the storage contents from theft. 
     Now referring to FIG. 7-A and FIG. 7-B, a bed fastener  74  is shown comprising a base plate  76  housing a plurality of attachment holes  78  and a bell-shaped lip  80  with a single attachment hole  82 . The bed fastener  74  is fixedly attached to the bottom wall  14  of the vehicle storage organizer  10  to the vehicle bed surface  72  by driving an attachment means  46  through the attachment holes  78  and into the bottom wall  14 . Then, the vehicle storage organizer  10 , as a unit, may be securely fastened to the vehicle bed surface  72  by driving another attachment means  46  through the bell-shaped lip  80  (via the corresponding attachment hole  82 ) and into the vehicle bed surface  72 . This arrangement allows the vehicle storage organizer  10  to remain securely in place and prevent the vehicle storage organizer  10  from sliding and banging against the inside of the vehicle bed area  84  (see FIG.  6 ). 
     2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     To assemble the vehicle storage organizer  10 , a user will apply a sealing means  48 , such as silicone caulking or weather stripping, along the edges directed from point  38  to  40 , from point  40  to  42 , and from point  42  to  44  along the bottom wall  14 . Then, the user will position the rear wall  16  or one of the side walls  18  or  20  along the appropriate edge of the bottom wall  14  and attach the corresponding wall  16 ,  18  or  20  with a plurality of attachment means  46  to the bottom wall  14 . This process is repeated twice more and results in three walls  16 ,  18  and  20  perpendicularly attached to the bottom wall  14 . Any excess sealing means  48  should be cleaned up and disposed of. 
     Another application of a sealing means  48  is applied along the edges directed from point  30  to  32 , from point  32  to  34 , and from point  34  to  36 . The top wall  12  is positioned so as to rest perpendicularly to the three walls  16 ,  18  and  20 , with the top wall  12  fixedly attached by a plurality of attachment means  46 . Again, any excess sealing means  48  should be cleaned up and disposed of. 
     A divider wall  24  is placed within the now formed drawer area  22  and fixedly attached by a plurality of attachment means  46  to the top wall  12 , the bottom wall  14  and the rear wall  16 . The user should make sure to position the divider wall  24  so that the guide track  50  is positioned near the surface of the bottom wall  14  so that the guide track  50  and the rollers  52  align properly. The placement of a second divider wall  24  is repeated as with the first placement at the desired width of the storage drawer  28 . This process is repeated until the user is satisfied with the number of drawer areas  22  available. 
     At this point, the user should attach the bed fasteners  74  to the bottom wall  14  and prepare to attach the vehicle storage organizer  10  to the bed surface  72  of the vehicle. The user will attach one bed fastener  74  to one corner of the bottom wall  14  by driving a plurality of attachment means  46  through the attachment holes  78  of the base plate  76  and into the bottom wall  14 , making sure to position the bell-shaped lip  80  to the outside of the frame  11 . This process is repeated three more times and results in each corner of the bottom wall  14  housing a bed fastener  74 . The user will drive an attachment means  46  through the attachment hole  82  and into the vehicle bed surface  72  until each bed fastener  74  is securely attached and preventing the vehicle storage organizer  10  from sliding out of position. 
     The storage drawer  28  is assembled by fixedly attaching the front face  60  to the drawer side walls  54  and  56  and the drawer base  58  through a plurality of attachment means  46 , with the user making sure to position the drawer side walls  54  and  56  so that the rollers  52  are near the surface of the bottom wall  14  so that the rollers  52  properly align with the guide tracks  50 . The user should also make sure to position the front face  60  so the keyed lock  70  opening faces the outside of the frame  11 . The user then will fixedly attach the drawer rear wall  62  to the side walls  54  and  56  and the drawer base  58  through a plurality of attachment means  46 . The user then will fixedly attach the desired number of drawer dividers  68  within the storage area  64  through a plurality of attachment means  46  driven through the side walls  54  and  56 . The assembled storage drawer  28  is aligned in such a way that the rollers  52  slidably engaged the guide track  50 . Additional storage drawers  28  may be assembled by repeating the aforementioned process. 
     The user will then store any desired items within the storage drawers  28 . After storage, the storage drawer  28  is pushed toward the frame  11  to close the vehicle storage organizer  10 . The user may then lock the storage drawer  28  by pressing the keyed lock  70  into a depressed position, or optionally by turning the keyed lock  70  into a “locked” position. To unlock the storage drawer  28 , a user would insert a key into the keyed lock  70  and turn the key until the keyed lock  70  is unlocked. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.