Abstract:
A stepgate that increases the contained storage area of a vehicle and utilizes the tailgate as a stepgate to aid in lifting objects to the storage area of the vehicle. The stepgate adjusts horizontally, whereby this motion allows the stepgate to clear features of the vehicle as well as adjusting the position of an extension platform. The extension platform would adjust horizontally in conjunction with the tailgate to effectively increase the contained storage area of the vehicle. The stepgate, lift feature utilizes the tailgate as the lifting platform. The stepgate is designed where a bracket contacts the ground maintaining the lifting platform slightly above ground level. This allows the integration of the tailgate into the stepgate without subjecting the tailgate to any damage. The design further allows the tailgate to operate, function and remove in the same manner as the original vehicle. Options include removable coupling between the extension platform and the stepgate and extensions for the lifting platform. The stepgate is designed in a manner, which does not change the original appearance of the vehicle.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to a stepgate design for a pickup truck, more specifically a stepgate, which provides an extension to the platform of a vehicle, utilizes the tailgate to provide a lifting source for objects, as well as maintaining the aesthetics of the original vehicle.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Commonly known liftgate designs utilize a custom lift section that is designed to reside proximate the back end of a truck. These tailgates are designed to abut the trailing edge of the platform of the truck or similar type vehicle. The operating mechanisms for these tailgates are generally coupled to the frame of the vehicle at a distance below the platform of the vehicle resulting in a non-desirable appearance.  
           [0003]    Commonly known liftgates are designed whereby the lift section is lowered where the bottom of the lift section contacts the ground. This will scratch the bottom of the lift section. The lift section is generally rotated from a horizontal position to a vertical position, the bottom becoming the visually shown section. This would result in a visually undesirable surface.  
           [0004]    Pickup trucks, Sport Utility Vehicles, Sport Utility-Pickup truck Hybrids, and other vehicles with a platform and respective tailgate could benefit from the addition of a means to lift objects towards the platform. The currently known designs would require the replacement of the tailgate. Further, the current designs lower the liftgate whereby the liftgate contacts the ground. This contact can disfigure the liftgate, resulting in a non-desirable appearance.  
           [0005]    Commonly known tailgates may include a means for providing a larger lifting platform by the inclusion of a foldable section.  
           [0006]    Pickup trucks are commonly used to transport items such as all terrain vehicles (ATV&#39;s), motorcycles, bicycles, construction tooling, landscaping equipment and material, and the like.  
           [0007]    Common pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, conversion vehicles, station wagons, and the like, are known to have storage areas that at times may be shorter than desired.  
           [0008]    Commonly known liftgates are flat, providing either a horizontal extended platform or a vertical tailgate to the pickup bed, thus the liftgates are limited in that they can not increase the contained dimensions within a pickup truck bed or other storage areas. The contained dimensions would include a horizontal platform and vertical sides.  
           [0009]    What is desired is a liftgate design that provides a means to lift objects towards the platform of a vehicle, without changing the aesthetics of the current vehicle. It is further desired to include a means to increase the contained storage area of the vehicle.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    One aspect of the present invention is a stepgate designed in a manner whereby the operating mechanism is substantially hidden under the bed of the vehicle.  
           [0011]    A second aspect of the present invention is an apparatus described herein, whereby the apparatus does not change the external appearance of the vehicle.  
           [0012]    A third aspect of the present invention is a pickup truck bed extension platform, which adjusts horizontally providing an increased length in the platform of the vehicle.  
           [0013]    A forth aspect of the present invention is a pickup truck bed extension platform which increases the contained storage area of the vehicle.  
           [0014]    A fifth aspect of the present invention is a stepgate design, whereby the lifting platform is the inner wall of the tailgate of the vehicle.  
           [0015]    A sixth aspect of the present invention is a stepgate design that repositions at least one of a bumper and a rear valance of the vehicle.  
           [0016]    A seventh aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of a trailer hitch coupled to at least one of the lift gate frame, the lift gate operating mechanism and the bumper of the vehicle which is further enhanced in that the trailer hitch does not have to be removed in order to operate the stepgate.  
           [0017]    An eighth aspect of the present invention is a first operating step of the stepgate, whereby the first operating step of the stepgate horizontally adjusts the position of the stepgate and optionally horizontally adjusts the position of a bed extension platform.  
           [0018]    A ninth aspect of the present invention is a second operating step of the stepgate, whereby the second operating step of the stepgate vertically adjusts the position of the stepgate.  
           [0019]    A tenth aspect of the present invention is a third operating step of the stepgate, whereby the third operating step of the stepgate rests a ground contacting member against the ground.  
           [0020]    An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the ability to position the tailgate vertically or horizontally during any of the operating steps of the stepgate.  
           [0021]    A twelfth aspect of the present invention is whereby the bed extension platform is removable.  
           [0022]    A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the utilization of the existing pickup truck tailgate as the stepgate.  
           [0023]    A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the ability to lock the stepgate operating mechanism into a securing member.  
           [0024]    A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the ability to lock the stepgate operating mechanism into a slide channel.  
           [0025]    A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the ability to include the original tailgate of the vehicle, whereby the original tailgate operates in the original manner. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]    [0026]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a pickup truck bed illustrating the present invention in a fully retracted position.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the pickup truck bed illustrating the present invention in the fully retracted position with a tailgate in a lowered position.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the pickup truck bed illustrating the present invention in an extended bed position with the tailgate in the lowered position.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the pickup truck bed illustrating the present invention in a loading position with the tailgate in the lowered position.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the operating mechanism of the present invention in the fully retracted position.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the operating mechanism of the present invention in the extended bed position.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 7 is an elevation view of the operating mechanism of the present invention in the lowered position.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an extension section of the operating mechanism of the present invention.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an extension and a lift section of the operating mechanism of the present invention shown in an extended position.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the extension and the lift section of the operating mechanism of the present invention shown in a retracted position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0036]    [0036]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a Pickup truck bed comprising a vehicle storage area  10 . The vehicle storage area  10  comprises a contained storage area boundary that is created by two storage area sidewalls  12 , a storage area front wall  14 , and a vehicle tailgate  18 . The vehicle tailgate  18  is shown in a vertical or secured position. A bed rim  16  surrounds the upper edge of the vehicle storage area  10 . The view further illustrates a rear bumper  20  that is commonly considered a standard component of a pickup truck or similar vehicle. Alternatively, a rear valance can replace the rear bumper  20 . The view includes a reference line illustrative of a ground level representation  99 .  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the vehicle storage area  10  illustrating the present invention in a fully retracted position with the vehicle tailgate  18  in a horizontal or lowered position. The vehicle tailgate  18  is hinged to a tailgate operations control post  102 . The tailgate operations control post  102  comprises a tailgate latch pin  22  used in conjunction with a tailgate latch  24  coupled to the vehicle tailgate  18  to secure the vehicle tailgate  18  in the vertical position. A first end of a tailgate support cable  26  is coupled to the tailgate operations control post  102  and a second end of the tailgate support cable  26  is coupled to the vehicle tailgate  18 . The tailgate operations control post  102  provides support to the vehicle tailgate  18  when the vehicle tailgate  18  is in a horizontal or lowered position. These features replicate the functionality, operation, and installation of the vehicle tailgate  18  to the original specifications of the vehicle. The vehicle tailgate  18  shown in the horizontal or lowered position provides a view of an extension platform  100  in the fully retracted position. The extension platform  100  would preferably include a base and two sides as illustrated. The extension platform  100  can further include a recessed area for clearance around wheel wells  28 .  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the vehicle storage area  10  illustrating the present invention in an extended bed position with the vehicle tailgate  18  in a horizontal or lowered position. The present invention adjusts the horizontal positioning  200  of the vehicle tailgate  18  away from the storage area front wall  14  of the vehicle storage area  10 . The horizontal positioning  200  of the operating mechanism horizontally positions the vehicle tailgate  18 , rear bumper  20 , and tailgate operations control post  102 . The user can optionally secure the extension platform  100  to the operating mechanism of the present invention, providing a means to adjust the horizontal positioning  200  of the vehicle storage area extension platform  100 . The extension platform  100  would horizontally adjust by sliding against the bottom of the vehicle storage area  10 . It would be desired to install a protecting material (not shown) within the vehicle storage area  10 , such as a bed-liner, carpet, and the like as a means for protecting the bottom of the vehicle storage area  10  against damaged from friction derived by the motion of the extension platform  100 . By horizontal positioning  200  the present invention and positioning the vehicle tailgate  18  in the vertical or secured position, the user affectively increases the vehicle storage area  10  of the vehicle. Applicant will teach the preferred embodiment of a releasable coupling mechanism used to optionally couple the extension platform  100  to the operating mechanism (not shown) of the present invention.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the vehicle storage area  10  illustrating the present invention in a loading position with the vehicle tailgate  18  in a horizontal or lowered position. The present invention adjusts a vertical positioning  202  of the vehicle tailgate  18  against the ground level representation  99 . A ground contacting member (not shown) maintains the position of the vehicle tailgate  18  and rear bumper  20  from directly contacting the ground and creating a step. The vertical positioning  202  of the operating mechanism vertically positions the vehicle tailgate  18 , rear bumper  20 , and tailgate operations control post  102 . If the extension platform  100  is coupled to the present invention, the extension platform  100  remains in the extended bed position.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 5 is a side view of a stepgate operating mechanism  199  of the present invention in the fully retracted position. The operating mechanism would be contained within a stepgate subframe  208  that is mechanically coupled to a vehicle frame  204  using preferably two (2) or more vehicle mounting members  206 . An extension frame  210  would be slideable coupled to the stepgate subframe  208 . The stepgate subframe  208  would extend away from the vehicle storage area  10  by operating an extension piston (not shown in this figure). The extension platform  100  is removably coupled to the extension frame  210  by positioning an extension platform coupling bar  104  against an extension frame rear transverse member  216 . The extension platform coupling bar  104  is further held in position by at least one extension platform coupling member  106 . Additional details will be provided within this specification. The coupling mechanism shown is the preferred embodiment of the Applicant at the time of submission. It can be recognized that there are many known means to design removable coupling systems for this specific application. The extension frame rear transverse member  216  is coupled to the extension frame  210  by an extension frame riser member  214 . The position of the extension frame rear transverse member  216  and the application of the extension frame riser member  214  provides a structure to position the extension frame coupling system against the rear of the vehicle storage area  10  and above the rear bumper  20 .  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 5 further illustrates a lifting section of the present invention. The lifting section is coupled to the extension frame  210  and adjusts in conjunction with the extension section of the present invention. The lifting section comprising a lifting control mechanism coupled to each side of the present invention, the lifting control mechanism comprising a front lift control frame member  220 , an upper lift control member  222 , an lower lift control member  224 , and a rear lift control frame member  226 . The upper lift control member  222  and lower lift control member  224  ensure the stepgate remains parallel during the vertical motion. The lifting control mechanism is coupled to the stepgate by a bumper and tailgate frame member  212  that is positioned perpendicular to the extension frame  210  of each side. Two (2) or more bumper mounting brackets  218  are coupled to the bumper and tailgate frame member  212  as a means to fasten the rear bumper  20  to the present invention. The tailgate operations control post  102  is coupled to the bumper and tailgate frame member  212 , wherein the tailgate operations control post  102  positionally adjusts in conjunction with the motion of the present invention. The vehicle tailgate  18  is hingably coupled to the tailgate operations control post  102 . A tailgate operations control post support bracket  110  is used to structurally support the tailgate operations control post  102 , whereas the tailgate operations control post support bracket  110  is illustrated in a later figure. The motion of the operating mechanism of the present invention will be illustrated within the upcoming figures.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 6 is a side view of the operating mechanism of the present invention in the extended bed position. The view illustrates the vehicle tailgate  18  in the horizontal position, wherein the vehicle tailgate  18  will be utilized as the stepgate for the present invention. An extension piston (partially shown within a later illustration) is coupled between the stepgate subframe  208  and the extension frame rear transverse member  216 . When the extension piston is operated into the extended position, the extension piston positions the apparatus away from the vehicle storage area  10 . If the extension platform  100  is coupled to the present invention, the extension platform  100  would be supported along one edge by the platform of the vehicle storage area  10  and along the second edge by the extension frame rear transverse member  216 . During the extension process, the extension platform  100  would slide along the bottom of the vehicle storage area  10 . The extension frame  210  is slideably coupled to the stepgate subframe  208  by design. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is the application of a “C” channel for use as stepgate subframe  208  and extension frame  210 . An angle iron or “L” member (shown within a later illustration) is welded to the stepgate subframe  208  to create a channel which slideably couples the extension frame  210  to the stepgate subframe  208 . The extension frame  210  is further held against the created channel by cross members (not shown).  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 7 is a side view of the operating mechanism of the present invention in the lowered position. The stepgate is lowered by extending a stepgate vertical motion piston  240 . By extending the stepgate vertical motion piston  240 , the stepgate vertical motion piston  240  causes the stepgate to lower. The stepgate is maintained in a horizontal position by the upper lift control member  222  and lower lift control member  224 . The stepgate is lowered to the ground level representation  99 , but is held above the ground level representation  99  by the position of the rear lift control frame member  226 . The rear lift control frame member  226  is acting as the ground contacting member. The rear lift control frame member  226  is positioned such to maintain the vehicle tailgate  18  and rear bumper  20  from contacting the ground level representation  99 . The vertical positioning  202  of the stepgate is independent of the horizontal positioning  200  of the stepgate and vehicle storage area extension platform  100 . The Applicant has been using the present invention for evaluation purposes and the design as described herein has maintained a scratch-free vehicle tailgate  18  and rear bumper  20  since installation. Commonly known liftgates are designed for vertical motion, whereas the stepgate taught by the Applicant further includes a horizontal positioning  200  and subsequent increase in the contained area of the vehicle storage area  10 . Commonly known liftgates are designed where the liftgate rests against the ground, disallowing the utilization of the vehicle tailgate  18  as the lifting platform, whereas the stepgate taught by the Applicant further includes a ground contacting member which maintains a distance between the ground and the bottomside of the vehicle tailgate  18 .  
         [0044]    Applicant furthers the capabilities of the present invention with the inclusion of ramps between the vehicle tailgate  18  and the ground level representation  99 . Alternatively, the platform/lifting area of the stepgate can be increased by the inclusion of a folding section. The folding section would be hingeably coupled to the vehicle tailgate  18 . Alternatively, the platform/lifting area of the stepgate can be increased by the inclusion of a sliding section. The sliding section would be slideably coupled to the vehicle tailgate  18 .  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an extension section of the stepgate operating mechanism  199  of the present invention. The illustration provides additional details that are not easily described by an elevation view. The extension platform coupling bar  104  is coupled to the base of the vehicle storage area extension platform  100 , preferably by welding the two members together. At least one, but preferably a series of extension platform coupling member  106  would be coupled to the extension frame rear transverse member  216  preferably by welding the members together. The operator would place the extension platform coupling bar  104  between the extension frame rear transverse member  216  and the extension platform coupling member  106  if the operator would like to include the application of the extension platform  100  during the horizontal positioning  200  of the vehicle storage area extension platform  100 . The horizontal positioning  200  would be accomplished when an extension piston  232  is pressurized and extends horizontal positioning  200  the extension platform  100  away from the vehicle storage area  10 . The extension piston  232  is moveably coupled to the present invention by an extension piston mounting bracket  234 ; the extension piston mounting bracket  234  is coupled to the extension frame rear transverse member  216 , preferably by welding the two members together. The opposing end of the extension piston  232  would be moveably coupled to at least one of the stepgate subframe  208  or the vehicle frame  204  (previously shown). It can be recognized that the extension piston  232  can alternatively be a screw drive system or other any other mechanism used to extend and retract over some distance, collectively referred to as an extension operating mechanism. The horizontal positioning  200  is controlled by the interlocking design of the extension frame  210 . In the preferred embodiment, the stepgate subframe  208  and the extension frame  210  are of steel “C-channel” extrusions. In the preferred embodiment, the stepgate subframe extension support member  230  is of a steel, “L” shaped extrusion. The stepgate subframe extension support member  230  is coupled to the stepgate subframe  208 , preferably by welding the two members together. The upper horizontal section of the extension frame  210  would be slideably contained between a lower horizontal section of the stepgate subframe  208  and the horizontal section of the stepgate subframe extension support member  230 . The illustration further defines extension platform vertical member  108  of the vehicle storage area extension platform  100 . The extension platform vertical member  108  stiffen the extension platform  100  as well as providing the additional containment within the vehicle storage area  10  when the horizontal positioning  200  of the present invention is in the extended position.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an extension section and a lift section of the operating mechanism of the present invention shown in an extended position. The illustration provides details to the lift section of the present invention. The lift section of the present invention comprising a front lift control frame member  220  which is coupled to the extension frame  210 , preferably by welding the two members together; a rear lift control frame member  226  which is coupled to the bumper and tailgate frame member  212 , preferably by welding the two members together; and the upper lift control member  222  and lower lift control member  224 . The lift section of the present invention would be operated by pressurizing or de-pressurizing a stepgate vertical motion piston  240 . The stepgate vertical motion piston  240  would be coupled to a stepgate vertical motion piston bracket  242  coupled to the bumper and tailgate frame member  212  positioned between the two extension frames  210 . The stepgate vertical motion piston  240  would be positioned where it is not parallel to the upper lift control member  222  or lower lift control member  224 . This will generate a rotational motion of the upper lift control member  222  and lower lift control member  224 , to provide a vertical positioning  202  of the lift section of the present invention. The lift section further comprising the tailgate operations control post  102  coupled to the bumper and tailgate frame member  212 , preferably by welding the two members together. A tailgate operations control post support bracket  110  is coupled to each of the tailgate operations control posts  102  and the bumper and tailgate frame member  212 , preferably by welding the members together, as a means to strengthen the tailgate operations control post  102 . The vehicle tailgate  18  (shown in an earlier illustration) is hingeably coupled to the tailgate operations control post  102 . The tailgate operations control post support bracket  110  is positioned such to avoid interference with the vehicle tailgate  18 , when the vehicle tailgate  18  is placed in the vertical or coupled position. The illustration provides a detail of a stepgate support notch  244 , the bumper and tailgate frame member  212  rests within the stepgate support notch  244 . The stepgate support notch  244  provides vertical support to the bumper and tailgate frame member  212  when the present invention is placed in the retracted position.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the extension section and the lift section of the operating mechanism of the present invention shown in a retracted position. The illustration presents the respective positions of the stepgate subframe  208  and the extension frame  210  when the present invention is positioned in the retracted position. The bumper and tailgate frame member  212  is placed into the stepgate support notch  244 .  
         [0048]    The teachings herein depict the preferred embodiment of the present invention. It can be recognized that although the illustration and specification specifically describes the incorporation of a stepgate operating mechanism as described herein, alternative operating mechanism designs, such as slide bearings, different channels, and the like can be utilized while maintaining the spirit and intent of the present invention.