Abstract:
A truck bed extender which is universally mountable to a plurality of original equipment latching pins and latches for different configured or brand vehicles. Each sidewall is connectable to original equipment tailgate latches on a truck bed body. The mounting interface allows connection for a number of heights relative to truck bed for those original equipment pins. Adjustable simulated mounting pins along lower margins of each sidewall of the bed extender allow for compensation for different placement of original equipment latches on the folded down tailgate. One example is sliders that allow such adjustability. Optionally, stability members of plural configurations are automatically positioned in the gap between tailgate and truck bed body to cooperate with different existing structures on the tailgate of different vehicles to add further stability to the bed extender.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to truck bed extenders and, in particular, to a truck bed extender that can fit vehicles of different brands and configurations. 
     2. Problems in the Art 
     Truck bed extenders are commercially available from a variety of vendors. Their benefits are well known. They can increase cargo capacity for pickup-style vehicles. 
     The present inventor has patented several styles of truck bed extenders. They are described at U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,155,622; 6,513,850; and 6,746,066, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The foregoing patents illustrate truck bed extender features that have a variety of benefits. However, the inventor has identified room for improvement in this technical field. 
     The foregoing incorporated by reference patents include embodiments that attach to the vehicle using original equipment structure on the vehicle. In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,066 attaches the front of the truck bed extender to original equipment tailgate latching pins on the pickup truck body. The lower back of the truck bed extender is attached to complementary original equipment latches for those latching pins on the truck tailgate. The truck bed extender is mounted when the tailgate is unlatched and lowered. This makes the original equipment latching pins at the rear sidewalls of the truck bed available as one set of anchoring or mounting points. It also makes the latches on the tailgate available as a second set of anchoring points. Not only does this utilize existing robust mounting locations on the pickup truck, it eliminates costs and complexity of adding aftermarket custom mounting structures to the vehicle, which is required by many other truck bed extenders. Many truck owners would prefer not to modify their vehicles in those ways. 
     The idea of using existing tailgate latching pins and latches presents an issue that has been identified by the inventor to be of significance. In most vehicles, the original equipment latching pins are in a fixed relationship to the truck body. Latches on the tailgate thus are positioned in geometric correlation. When the tailgate is pivoted around its pivot axis to the closed position, the latches on the tailgate must correspond with the latching pins on the truck body. 
     However, the fixed position of the tailgate latching pins is not identical across different vehicles. This is particularly true regarding different brand names or manufacturers. The latching pins on one brand might be several inches higher on opposite inside sidewalls of the truck body than on another brand. This makes the latches on the tailgate several inches farther out on the tailgate. 
     The state of the art accounts for the different fixed relationships between latching pins and latches between different pickup trucks by building a different bed extender configuration for each different latching pin/latch configuration. For example, General Motors pickup trucks would require a bed extender such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,066 with different latch pin/latch mount locations than one for Ford pickups. And Ram pickups would require a still further model bed extender. Still further models might require different bed extender mounts and thus require still further inventory. This adds cost and complexity to the manufacturing process. This requires an inventory of different bed extender models for different brand pickups, which can also increase cost to dealers and distributors. 
     Thus, the state of the art generally builds a different model bed extender for different configuration vehicles. A solution to this issue is nontrivial. Economy is a factor with truck bed extenders. These aftermarket products must be economically attractive and practical to consumers. Additionally, the complexity, material costs, flexibility and ease of use, and structural robustness are all competing factors that must be accounted for. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore a principal object, feature, aspect, or advantage of the present invention to provide a truck bed extender system to solve deficiencies in or problems associated with the state of the art. 
     Further objects, features, aspects, or advantages of the present invention relate to an apparatus, system, or method as above described which:
         a. is universally mountable to a variety of different configured or brand vehicles;   b. is economical;   c. is non-complex in the structure and operation;   d. is structurally robust;   e. is easy to install and use, can have flexibility of disassembly into pieces that can be more easily stored, and includes other beneficial features.       

     These and other objects, features, aspects, or advantages of the present invention will become more apparent with reference to the accompanying specification and claims. 
     In one aspect of the invention, a truck bed extender is mountable to the rear of any of a plurality of pickup or similar truck bodies with lowerable tailgates regardless of spacing of tailgate latching pins and tailgate latches on the tailgate. Left and right vertical bed extender sides each have lower edges that are positionable at or on the lowered tailgate. Front edges of those sides are positionable at or near the existing tailgate latching pins on the truck body. Pin receivers at or near the front edges of the left and right extender sides receive the existing tailgate latching pins over a range of different distances from the pivot axis for the tailgate. That range of distances allows different heights of latching pins for different configurations or brands of pickups. Additionally, what will be called simulated tailgate latching pins are mounted along the bottom edges of the left and right bed extender sides. These simulated latching pins are, however, adjustable along those lower bed extender sides. In one embodiment they are slideable along the bed extender bottom sides. This allows them to be adjusted into alignment with existing latches on the tailgate for a variety of types of vehicles. These simulated pins simulate the shape and configuration of the original equipment latching pins. This allows them to be captured and held by the original equipment latches on the tailgate. Thus, the front of the truck bed extender is held at the original equipment latching pins on the truck bed body. The lower back of the truck bed extender is held in the tailgate latches. These robust attachment points resist movement of the truck bed extender in most directions and provide robust anchoring of the bed extender to the vehicle. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the pin receivers at the front of the sides of the truck bed extender can be plural sets of keyhole-shaped slots. The sets of slots can be at different heights from the truck bed to match different latching pin heights for different truck models or brands. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the simulated tailgate latching pins are adjustable on sliding sleeves along the lower edge of the truck bed extender sides. This allows positioning of those simulated pins for different locations of existing latches on the tailgate. As such, utilization of the original equipment tailgate latching pins and latches are a robust and economical way to attach the truck bed extender. Yet, adjustability of the bed extender attachment points accommodate different configured vehicles or brands. This allows economy in manufacturing and assembly of the truck bed extender. One model or configuration of the bed extender fits a variety of vehicle models, configurations, or brands. 
     In another aspect of the invention, an optional stabilizer spacer can be incorporated into the lower front of the bed extender. The spacer is mounted in a position and configured to fit into either the gap between tailgate and truck bed or into or over some existing structure at or around the tailgate hinge or pivot axis. It provides a third mounting point for the bed extender. It can help stabilize the bed extender relative to the truck. It can help the lower front of the bed extender remain in position even if forces attempting to move it horizontally are experienced. In one embodiment of this feature, the stability spacer could be placed at least at one front and lower corner of the bed extender. In another embodiment, a stability spacer could be placed at opposite front and lower corners of the bed extender. Each stability spacer can have plural downwardly extending portions. Each portion would be specifically configured for a different configuration, model, or brand of vehicle. For example, the stability spacer could have first and second downwardly extending fingers or arms. The first finger or arm could work for at least a first brand or configuration of vehicle. The second finger or arm could work for a different configuration or brand. This is another way of universal mounting of the bed extender to a variety of vehicle configurations or brands. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of a pickup truck with a bed expander or extension of the type of the inventor&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,066 in installed position but modified according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a slightly enlarged partial perspective of the rear of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  and the modified bed extender in installed position from a different view point but showing how the rear gate can be optionally pivoted down for loading or unloading. 
         FIG. 2B  is an isolated perspective exploded view of the main pieces of the modified bed extender of  FIGS. 1 and 2A  and also including enlarged isolated views of principle components according to the invention which modify the version of U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,066. 
         FIGS. 3A  and B are diagrammatical views of a conventional pickup with tailgate in up or latched position ( FIG. 3A ) and pivoted down ( FIG. 3B ) showing the geometrical relationship of original equipment latching pins on the truck bed sidewalls and original equipment pin latches on the tailgate.  FIGS. 3A  and B also shown in dashed lines how different brands or models of pickups can have different bed sidewall and latching pin heights, which would also change the height and position of latches on the tailgate. 
         FIG. 4  is diagrammatic views of the truck bed extender of  FIG. 1  installed on pickups of different styles of cab, namely two door without extended cab (top), two door with extended cab (middle), and four door extended cab (bottom).  FIG. 4  is annotated with dimensions giving an indication of extended bed capacity for all three types of pick up. 
         FIG. 5A  is an enlarged isolated side elevation of the left-hand side of the bed extender of  FIG. 1  mounted on a pickup of a first brand or model, where the truck bed mounting pins are at a first height from the truck bed. 
         FIG. 5B  is similar to  FIG. 5A  but shows the one side of the bed extender of  FIG. 1  mounted to a pickup of a second model or brand, where the truck bed mounting pins are a second height from the truck bed which is greater than in  FIG. 5A .  FIG. 5B  also shows how this embodiment of the invention can be adjusted to match the different position of the tailgate latches because of the taller truck bed mounting pins. 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged sectional view taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 2B . 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged sectional view taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 10  is a partial perspective view of one side of the installed bed extender of  FIG. 1  showing in more detail operation of the spacer stabilizer feature of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a partial perspective view further showing operation of the spacer stabilizer of  FIG. 10  with a first brand or model of pickup truck. 
         FIG. 12  is a partial perspective view further showing operation of the spacer stabilizer of  FIG. 10  with a second brand or model of pickup truck. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Overview 
     For a better understanding of the invention, one example of a form the invention can take will now be described in specific detail. Frequent reference will be taken to the appended drawings. Reference numbers and letters will be used to indicate certain parts or locations in the drawings. The same reference numerals or letters will be used to indicate the same parts or locations throughout the drawings unless otherwise indicated. 
     As indicated earlier, various brands of pickup trucks (e.g. Ford, Chevrolet/GMC, Dodge Ram), have different height original equipment latching pins relative to the tailgate pivot axis. As indicated at  FIGS. 3A and 3B , these different latching pin heights mean that one configuration of truck bed extender  400  from U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,066 would fit on one set of latch pins but not the other. Therefore, separate models of each bed extender would have to be built for different brand pickups. This complicates manufacturing and inventory control. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate this issue. Different model pickups have different truck bed configurations. One configuration of truck (solid lines) has original equipment latching pins  456  (one on each side of the truck bed aligned along a horizontal axis) at a distance or height D 1  relative tailgate pivot axis (or plane of truck bed  418 ). Height D 1  for latching pins  456  informs the distance from the tailgate pivot axis to latches  442  on tailgate  422 . That distance must be essentially the same so that latches  442  on the tailgate latch to pins  456  on the truck bed side walls when tailgate  422  is pivoted up to vertical closed position ( FIG. 3A , solid lines). On the other hand, when tailgate  418  is unlatched and pivoted down to horizontal ( FIG. 3B ), the original equipment latching pins  456  and the tailgate latches  442  are exposed and not used. The invention of U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,066 takes advantage of these exposed, unused components when the tailgate is down as mounting points for a bed extender. 
     The present invention addresses the issue indicated in dashed lines in  FIG. 3B . For pickups with higher bed sidewalls and/or higher original equipment latching pins  456 ′ (i.e. at distance D 2  greater than D 1  from the tailgate pivot axis), the tailgate latches  442 ′ must be farther away along the sides of tailgate  418  a corresponding distance. Thus, a bed extender like that of U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,066 that mounts to pins  456  and latches  442  (solid lines in  FIG. 3B ) would not fit to pins  456 ′ and latches  442 ′ (dashed lines in  FIG. 3B ). It is to be understood that just two different distances D 1  and D 2  are shown diagrammatically in the drawings. The difference in distances can vary. Additionally, the invention is applicable to more than two distances, as will be appreciated by those skilled in this technical field. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates another variable regarding pickup trucks. Whether in the same brand of vehicles or across brands, present day pickups include a variety of cab and bed configurations. One example is a two door conventional cab (top diagram in  FIG. 4 ). Another is a two door extended cab (middle diagram). A third is a four door extended cab (bottom diagram). While different bed lengths are possible, in most conventional brand lines, unless specially ordered, the overall vehicle length is basically the same. As indicated in  FIG. 4 , the more extended the cab, the less vehicle truck bed cargo space is available. While it is to be appreciated that certain dimensions of the bed extender of the present invention can be scaled up or down, one example of its size is generally indicated in  FIG. 4 . The width of bed extender  600  is dictated primarily by conventional widths of main brands of pickup trucks. Its length can be any of a variety of lengths. It will be appreciated that these dimensions can vary according to design or need. But as indicated in  FIG. 4 , bed extender  600  can extend the effective length of the truck bed of the standard two door pickup (top model in  FIG. 4 ) from approximately 8 feet to over 10 feet. It could extend the shorter bed of the two door extended cab (middle drawing of  FIG. 4 ) to approximately 8 feet 10½ inches. This retains enough bed length to carry a conventional 8×4 foot sheet of construction material. But even the four door extended cab (bottom drawing in  FIG. 4 ) would be extended approximately to 8 feet 1 inch; again meeting that minimum 8×4 foot construction material carrying capacity. As an example, a Dodge Ram four door cab can have bed lengths as short as approximately 5 feet, 7½ inches. The present bed extender  600  could extend the carrying capacity out to over 8 feet. It is to be appreciated, however, the bed extender  600  could be made in various lengths by extending or shortening the length of the side walls  412  and  414 . As can be appreciated, any of the body styles in  FIG. 4  could have different height original equipment latching pins (as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ). 
     The exemplary embodiments of the invention will be discussed in the context of the foregoing. It will also be discussed in the context of main brand commercially-available pickup trucks. As can be appreciated, however, it could be also potentially used with analogous vehicles that have a hinged tailgate and original equipment latching pins and latches of this type. 
     Apparatus 
       FIG. 1  illustrates generally truck bed expander/extension  600  according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention. It is to be understood that many of the structural features of bed extender  600  are similar or the same to those of bed extender  400  in incorporated by reference U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,066. Reference can be taken to that patent for such details which will not be repeated here. 
     For example, as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,066, bed extender  600  can be made of three primary pieces of tubular metal. Left and right sides  412  and  414  mount generally parallel to the left and right truck bed side walls  498  and  499  (see  FIG. 1 ). A rear cross member or gate  420  can be releasably attached to the rear vertical edges or sides of side members  412  and  414 . Details are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,066. Rear gate  420  can hinge down to provide unobstructed access across tailgate  422  and into truck bed  418 . Details can be seen at U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,066. 
     The main differences between bed extender  400  of U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,066 and present exemplary embodiment 600 are as follows. 
     Double Front Latch Pin Receiving Slots for Truck Bed Latching Pins 
     First, referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B  (and the enlarged isolated views of associated with  FIG. 2B ), instead of a single latching pin receiving slot  452  (see FIGS. 16 and 17 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,066) at each side  412  of bed extender  400 , two such key-hole shaped slots  652 T (for “top”) and  652 B (for “bottom”) are aligned along a metal plate or flange  424  along each front edge pillar  428  for each side  412  and  414 . Enlargement  13 - 13  in  FIG. 2B  shows this two slot arrangement. This two-slot arrangement could alternatively be built in along the side of pillar  428 . This allows attachment of the front upper sides of each extender side  412  and  414  to original equipment latching pins  456  at two different heights or distances from the tailgate  422  pivot axis or level of truck bed  418 . 
     Importantly, while two slots  652 T and  652 B are shown on each side, they are each elongated. Therefore, this system can mount to original equipment latching pins over an almost infinite variety of heights from truck bed  418  over a range from the lowermost point of the lowermost slot  652 B to the top of the uppermost slot  652 T. As indicated in  FIG. 13 , for example, the stem attached to the head  457  of the original equipment latching pin  456  only needs to be captured somewhere along the narrower portion  656  of one of the key hole shaped slots  652 T or  652 B above the larger receiving hole  654 . It does not need to abut either opposite end of a keyhole shaped slot  652 T or  652 B. Captured in the narrower portion of the keyhole shaped slot, the original equipment latching pin would hold that front and side of the bed extender  600  against fore and aft or lateral movement relative the truck bed. Although it would allow some vertical movement between the opposite ends of the keyhole shaped slot, the weight of side  412  or  414  would urge it downward by gravity towards tailgate  422 . By mounting both sides  412  and  414  into corresponding slots  652 T or  652 B, both sides of the whole bed extender  600  would be held in place except for a limited vertical range of possible movement (defined by the length of the slot  652  in which the latching pin  456  is mounted). This allows for relatively easy attachment of the front of bed extender  600  to the original equipment latching pins of the inside walls  458  of the truck bed, but substantially complete resistance to movement of bed extender  600  except as noted. The dual sets of key hole shaped mounted slots  656 T and  656 B give more mounting choices for extender  600 . A parallel metal flange or wall  659  can hold pin  456  from much lateral movement (see  FIG. 2B , enlarged view at upper right side). The area  455  below slots  652 T and  652 B of plate  424  can extend along pillar  426 . See also  FIG. 6  (taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5A ) regarding how latching pin  456  is captured in a slot  652 T or  652 B. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, key slots  652 T and  652 B are of different sizes. In particular, slots  652 T have a larger diameter bottom pin entry hole  654  than slot  656  and a wider and longer vertical slot  656 . Conversely, key slot  652 B has a smaller entry opening  654  and a narrower and shorter vertical slot  656 . This is to accommodate Ford and GMC/Chevy pickups that tend to have latching pins  456  higher and slightly bigger heads and stems than Dodge latching pins. As can be appreciated, however, some tolerance can be built into the slots and still function effectively. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the slots can be made of different configurations to facilitate different latching pins (height, head diameter and stem diameter) that might exist in either future truck models or in truck models beyond GMC/Chevy, Ford, and Dodge Ram. 
     Parallel flanges  424  and  659  (flange  424  has the double key hole slots  652 T and  652 B) can be welded to the front face of vertical pillar  428 . Flange  659  shields the view of key slots and latching pins from view when bed extender  600  is installed. 
     Sliding Lower Pin Assemblies for Tailgate Latches 
     Second, also shown at  FIGS. 2A and 2B  are slider pin assemblies  637  mounted along lower rail  426  of each side  412  and  414  of bed extender  600 . Each assembly  637  essentially is a tubular sleeve  638  (see lower enlarged view in  FIG. 2B ) that is configured to have a hollow interior that relatively closely conforms with the exterior of rail  426  but relatively easily slides along it. Each sleeve  638  has an angled arm  639  that extends down and away from the lateral side of rail  426 . A simulated pin  640  extends medially from angled arm  639 . By simulation it is meant they basically are the same configuration and shape as the existing latching pins  456  on the bed of the truck. Therefore, when appropriately aligned with original equipment latches  442  on tailgate  422 , simulated pins  640  may be inserted into latches  442  and those original equipment latches will capture them and prevent movement in virtually any direction until released from latches  442  (e.g. by manual pulling of the original equipment tailgate release handle—which is more conventionally used to unlatch the tailgate from the original equipment latching pins). Therefore, whether the front of bed extender  600  is attached to top key hole shaped slots  656 T or the bottom ones  656 B, the bottom and back of bed extender  600  can be latched to original equipment tailgate latches  442  (on the opposite sides of tailgate  422 ) by simply sliding members  637  so that simulated pins  640  on them are in alignment over tailgate latches  442 , and then dropping simulated pins  640  into those latches  442  until they are latched. See also  FIG. 7  which shows simulated pin  640  captured in existing tailgate latch  442 .  FIG. 7  is taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 5A . 
     Thus, adjustable attachment of both the front top and bottom back of each bed extender sidewall  412  and  414  is possible when tailgate  422  is unlatched and pivoted down to horizontal by using original equipment latching pins  456  in original equipment latches  442 . If either key hole shaped slot  656 T or  656 B can be used to attach bed extender  600  to original equipment latching pins  456  of that particular model and brand of truck, the sliding sleeves  638  can be moved to use the original equipment tailgate latches to latch down the back and bottom of bed extender  600 . 
     As noted earlier, the remainder of bed extender  600  can take, as one example, the configuration of U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,066 bed extender  400 . For example, as explained in U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,066, rear gate  420  can be attached to the back ends of bed extender sides  412  and  414  to complete the bed extender. Back gate  420  can be latched vertical per  FIG. 1  or can be unlatched and pivoted down per  FIG. 2A . When assembled to sides  412  and  414 , it provides additional rigidity and stability of sides  412  and  414 . However, other configurations from the sides and back gates of the bed extender are possible. 
     Therefore, as illustrated in the drawings and explained above, bed extender  600  provides a single system that can be mounted on a variety of vehicles including those that have different heights of original latching pins. This feature is built into the extender efficiently, flexibly, and economically. A single extender can be manufactured, distributed, and used for a variety of differently configured vehicles. 
     Again, because simulated pin  640  on slideable tube  638  latch into the existing original equipment latches on tailgate  422 , the entire bed extender  600  is basically locked onto the pickup truck. Removal requires grabbing the tailgate unlatching lever and pulling it and then releasing simulated latching pins  640  from those existing tailgate latches  442 . As can be further appreciated, some trucks allow locking of that tailgate latch release handle. In such circumstances, if locked, an installed bed extended  600  would also be at least substantially locked to the pickup truck. While the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures might allow rear gate  420  to be removed, at least the sides  412  and  414  would be locked in place. 
     Stabilizing Spacers at Gap Between Tailgate and Truck Bed 
     Third, an additional optional feature of bed extender  600  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  can be seen at  FIGS. 2B , and  10 - 12 . Stabilizing spacer members  646  can be built-in along the front vertical pillars  428  of extender sides  412  and  414 . Members  646  would function similarly to spacers 446 in U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,066 (see  FIGS. 17 ,  23  and  24  of that patent). This downwardly extending member can help fix and stabilize bed extender  600  relative to the vehicle. 
     Stabilizing spacers  646  basically extend down and into or over original structure on the vehicle at or near the tailgate edge adjacent the gap between it and truck bed  418 . By interference or wedging action, or by fitting around such existing structure at or near the pivot axis of tailgate  422 , they can provide another set of points on bed extender  600  that deter movement of bed extender  600  in at least one direction relative to the vehicle. This can enhance the stability of the system. 
     The stabilizing spacers  646  of this bed extender  600  differ from spacers 446 of the 6,746,066 patent in at least the following ways. Spacer 446 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,066 is a single downwardly extending finger. In contrast, as illustrated in detail in the present drawings, e.g.  FIGS. 5A-B ,  8 ,  9  and  10 - 12 , each stabilizing spacer  646  of bed extender  600  has two different downwardly extending members. One is essentially an elongated plate or finger  647 . Near but spaced apart is another downwardly extending finger  650 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, there is double-finger stabilizing spacer  646  on each opposite front lower side of bed extender  600 . However, it is possible that only one spacer  646  could be used. 
     As indicated in the figures, particularly  FIG. 11 , some models or brands of pickup tailgates  422  have a perimeter edge  423  that surrounds a thicker-in-cross-section central main tailgate portion  673 . GMC/Chevy and Ram are examples. At that thinner perimeter edge  423  near opposite sides along the tailgate pivot axis PA are metal straps  421  that help strengthen that part of the tailgate and are mounting structures for the hinge or pivot components  672  for tailgate  422  to the truck body. Those straps  421  can have opposite ends fixed to tailgate  422  but also define relatively small open areas (see reference numbers  670  and  674  in  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). 
     The distal end of finger  647  is shaped to fit into small open area  670  when side  412  or  414  of bed extender  600  is installed (see diagram of finger  647  above area  670  in solid lines and then lowered into area  670  in dashed lines in  FIG. 11 ). Once fingers  647  are in position on both sides of tailgate  422 , the metal straps  421  deters lateral movement of fingers  647 . While each finger  647  can be withdrawn back out vertically, the metal strap  421  or other structure on the tailgate is a mechanical stop against lateral or horizontal movement. This helps stabilize the whole bed extender  600 . This is another way in which bed extender  600  takes advantage of original equipment structure of a vehicle to help mount and stabilize bed extender  600  on the vehicle. This finger  647  works in a similar way to finger 446 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,066. See also  FIGS. 9 and 10 . As can be seen in  FIG. 11 , downwardly extending finger  647  fits into open area  670  to prevent horizontal movement of the lower front of bed extender  600 . Such additional mounting to the pickup truck can help prevent bucking of bed extender  600  when, for example, the truck experiences bumps or forces that try to move the bed extender  600  relative the truck. Stabilizing spacer fingers  647  as shown tend to work for brands such as GMC/Chevy pickup trucks and Ford pickup trucks. 
     But stabilizing spacers  646  of bed extender  600  have an additional finger or extension  650  (in addition to finger  647 ). As indicated in the figures, particularly  FIG. 12 , finger  650  is a different configuration than finger  647 . It basically has a base cylindrical part and then a smaller distal end that tapers from the base part. As shown in  FIG. 12 , it can extend down into an open space  674  such as exists in different brand pickups between a strap  671  and a thicker part  673  of the tailgate. In  FIG. 12  this particular configuration of stabilizing spacer end  650  is configured to work for Dodge Ram pickups. Note in  FIGS. 11 and 12  that the other arm simply extends down into open space and is not used when the other arm is used. 
     As can be understood, stabilizing spacers  647  and  650  can take on different configurations. The illustrated embodiments are intended to work for the above mentioned brands or models. It is possible that different configured downwardly extending members could interact with other structures on a pickup truck for analogous purposes. As can be further understood, some pickups may not have the added structural straps discussed above regarding finger  647  but may have a cylindrical (or at least partially cylindrical or rod-shaped) structure (e.g. see ref. no.  672   FIG. 11 ) on opposite sides of the tailgate and at, near, or along the tailgate pivot axis PA. A different spacer  646  could have a downwardly extending inverted Y-shape distal end. Y-shaped end could be configured and positioned on bed extender  600  to have its inverted Y-shape fit over such cylindrical structure  672 . Once in position, arms  650  would deter fore and aft movement of bed extender  600  at or near pivot axis PA of the tailgate. This could also assist or supplement stabilizing the entire bed extender  600  along the front and lower edge of bed extender. This assistance or supplemental stabilizing is at different positions than the other attachment points of bed extender at original equipment latching pins  456  and tailgate latches  442 . 
     Thus, stabilizing spacers  646  of bed extender  600  have at least two different options for lower front stabilization—fingers  647  or Y-shaped arms  650 . This is another way in which bed extender  600  would fit to different vehicle configurations or brands. 
     As can be appreciated, either fingers  647  or arms  650  could take on different configurations including for other vehicle structures. An important feature of these multiple piece stabilizing spacers (referred to generally at reference numbers  646 ) is that they work with a variety of differently configured vehicles. For example, flat fingers  647  tend to work with one configuration of pickup. Fingers  650  tend to work with another. This furthers an object of the invention to have one bed extender that can fit a variety of different model or brand vehicles. On the other hand, use of these spacers  646  is optional. Also, one or the other of fingers  647  or arms  650  could be used. Furthermore, a third or more additional and different extension could be added to spacers  646 . 
       FIG. 2B  shows how each side  412  and  414  of bed extender  600  takes advantage of front vertical pillars  428  to support a flange  658  with the double key hole slots  656 T and  656 B. Parallel but spaced apart flange  659  would prevent latching pins  456  from moving substantially laterally. Also horizontal bottom rails  426 , rigidly connected to vertical pillars  428 , carry the sliding simulated latching pins  637 . That L shaped rigid arrangement provides structural rigidity between the front and back of bed extender  600 . The remainder of each side  412  or  414  includes a top rail  431  which bends at  430  to vertical back rail top  432  which connects at bottom  433  to the back of bottom rail  426 . Plural vertically-spaced inner cross beams (see  FIG. 2B ) extend between front pillar  428  and rear rail  432 / 433 . 
     Importantly, once one of the two key hole slots is selected by the user for mounting of that side to the original equipment latching pin, the specific slot would be selected ideally such that lower rail  426  would temporarily sit in abutment on top of tailgate  422  to support each side  412  and  414 . Then, the user could simply slide simulated latching pin slider  637  along lower rail  426  until aligned with original equipment latch on tailgate  422 . Each side  412  and  414  would be lifted slightly up until simulated pins of sliders  637  are aligned above original equipment latches  442  on opposite sides of tailgate  422 . Then, by appropriate downward pressure on rail  426  of each side  412  and  414 , the simulated latching pins  640  of each slider  637  (which extend below the lowest plane of rails  426 ), would be pushed into and latch to original equipment latches  442 . At the same time, one of the stabilizing spacers  646  would automatically move down towards the gap between tailgate  422  and truck bed  418 . If the particular truck brand has an area  670  like  FIG. 11 , finger  649  would fit there and stabilize bed extender  600  there. If the particular truck brand has a cylindrical structure like  680  of  FIG. 12 , Y-shaped arm  651  would fit over it and stabilize bed extender  600  there. 
     It can therefore be seen that the apparatus described above provides substantial robust connection and stability between bed extender  600  sidewalls  412  or  414  and the truck. 
     Operation 
     As explained above, normal operation of bed extender  600  would be to take the major three pieces  412 ,  441 , and  420  from storage. Each extender sidewall  412  and  414  would be sequentially first secured on original equipment latching pin  456  for the height of that pin relative to truck bed  418  and tailgate  422  in its down position. Slider pins  637  would then be slid along the lower rails  424  of each side member  412  and  414  to line up with original equipment latches  442  on tailgate  422 . Downward pressure on each sidewall  412  and  414  would latch those simulated pins to the original equipment latches. If included on bed extender  600 , stability spacers  647  would automatically fit into or over the associated complementary structure at or near the gap between tailgate  422  and truck bed  418 . Finally, rear gate  420  would be operatively attached across the backs of sidewalls  412  and  414  to complete the installed bed extender  600  of  FIG. 1 . 
     As can be appreciated, bed extender  600  can be relatively easily and efficiently installed, removed, and used with a variety of different vehicles using existing mounting structures on and without modifying the vehicle. As could be further appreciated, the sides and back rails of bed extender  600  could be integrated and not separable if desired. 
     Options and Alternatives 
     It is to be appreciated that the foregoing example is but one form the invention can take. Variations obvious to those skilled in the art will be included within the invention. 
     For example, the hinging feature of rear gate  420  is not necessarily required. Also, the extender could be used without the stability spacers  646 . 
     Various materials and configurations for the extender major pieces are possible. In the figures, tubular metal framework is utilized. Instead, full or partially complete panels or plates could be used. Mesh instead of crossbars could also be used or in additional to the crossbars shown. 
     Alternative ways to adjust the simulated latching pins are possible. Instead of a full tubular sleeve, a partial sleeve might be used. Alternatively, slots along the lower rails could allow longitudinal adjustment of the simulated latching pins. 
     Furthermore, more than two key hole slots would be used, as could one long slot. Other types of latch pin receivers are possible. 
       FIG. 2A  shows an optional feature. Either by using one of the tubular rungs of back gate  420  when it is pivoted down as in  FIG. 2A , or by adding a plate or structure  602  (or simply a non-slip surface on back gate  420 , it can be used as a step to step up into the bed of the pickup truck. 
     It will be appreciated that further alternatives and options are possible.