Patent Abstract:
A tailgate seat system for use with a pickup truck includes a back, a seat, and a hinge connecting the seat to the back. The hinge permits the back to freely pivot with respect to the seat, including to form an L-shaped position and also a folded U-shaped position. The tailgate seat system also includes a substantially rigidly supported pole extending along the back to maintain the back in fixed L-shaped or U-shaped position with respect to the seat. The back and the seat each include a rigid panel topped with padding. The back and seat can be upholstered or otherwise treated for comfortable use in seating. The seat can sit atop a tailgate, and the back can extend upright from the seat. The tailgate seat system is conveniently stowable in minimal space of a pickup bed. Additionally, the back of the seat can serve as a display, such as for a design, ad, or team logo.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to truck accessories and seating and, more particularly, relates to a removable, compact, and stowable tailgate seat and bed accessory for pickup trucks and the like. 
     Pickup trucks are convenient for many uses. The bed of a pickup truck provides capacity for stowing and transporting large, messy, noxious, and other items. Moreover, persons and things can be located in the bed. Although certain locales may forbid children or other persons from riding in a pickup bed while the pickup is traveling on regulated roads, people, including children, enjoy sitting in the pickup bed in numerous instances. 
     As an example, it has become popular to use a pickup tailgate as a make-shift seat and hold so-called “tailgate” parties before football games and other events. Moreover, a pickup tailgate is popular for use as such a make-shift seat when watching parades, outdoor movies, concerts, sports and otherwise. In the past, a pickup tailgate has generally been used as this make-shift seat, without employment of any special equipment or features. In the few instances in which special equipment or features have been used, the equipment and features of the tailgate seat arrangement have proven cumbersome, unwieldy, inconvenient, and otherwise impractical. 
     As is well known, a pickup tailgate is typically formed of metal and is hard, uncomfortable, and lacking a back support as a seat. Nonetheless, pickup tailgates have often been employed for seating. Conventionally, those seated on a pickup tailgate have either merely borne the lack of comfort or have ad hoc employed blankets, lawn chairs, cushions, and so forth to cushion the tailgate. 
     The present invention solves problems of past devices and systems, and presents significant new and improved features and uses. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a tailgate seat assembly, in place at a tailgate of a truck bed shown in partial view, according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a tailgate seat assembly, according to certain embodiments of the invention; and 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of the tailgate seat assembly of FIG. 2, taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 2, wherein a back of the assembly is in an L-shaped position with respect to a seat of the assembly, such as during use of the assembly for seating, according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of the tailgate seat assembly of FIG. 2, taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 2, wherein a back of the assembly is in a U-shaped position with respect to a seat of the assembly, such as during storage of the assembly in a pickup bed, according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a tailgate seat assembly, in place at a tailgate of a truck bed when being stowed in the bed, according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a tailgate seat assembly, forming a tailgate seat on a tailgate of a truck bed shown in partial view, according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the tailgate assembly of FIG. 2, wherein the back of the assembly and the seat of the assembly form a substantial plane, such as during use of the assembly as a cushioned mattress, according to certain embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to FIG. 1, a system  100  is located at a tailgate  102  of a pickup truck  104 . The system  100  includes a back  106  and a seat  108 . The back  106  and the seat  108  are hingedly connected by a hinge  110  of the system  100 . The system  100  also includes a pole  112  for supporting the back  106 . The pole  112  is attached across a bed  114  of the pickup truck  104 , in a manner to extend along the back  106  of the system  100  for support of the back  106  in upright location to the bed  114 . The seat  108  is located atop the tailgate  102  of the pickup truck  104 , with the tailgate  102  in its open or down position. In this manner, the system  100  provides the seat  108 , the back  106  and the pole  112  forming a tailgate seat with bottom and back support. 
     Referring to FIG. 2, the system  100  includes the back  106  and the seat  108 . The back  106  is connected to the seat  108  by the hinge  110 . The hinge  110 , for example, extends along an edge and length of the back  106  and the seat  108 . The hinge  110 , as so connected to the back  106  and the seat  108 , permits the back  106  to pivot, lengthwise, with respect to seat  108 . Each of the back  106  and the seat  108  can be substantially rigid, and can include seating materials for comfort, e.g., cushioning, upholstery, and so forth. The back  106  is further supported in upright position with respect to the substantially horizontally positioned seat  108 , via the pole  112 . The pole  112  is substantially rigidly fixed, for example, as hereinafter discussed regarding the bed  114  of the pickup truck  104 , to maintain the back  106  fixed in the upright relation with the seat  108 . 
     Referring to FIG. 3, in conjunction with FIG. 2, a cross-section along lines A-A′ of FIG. 2 of the system  100  shows the back  106  and the seat  108  positioned as shown in FIG.  2 . The seat  108  includes a rigid panel  302 . The rigid panel  302  is, for example, a wood, metal, hard plastic or other material sufficient to support persons sitting on the seat  108 . As shown in FIG. 1, the seat  108 , in use with the tailgate  102  of the pickup truck  104 , lays atop the tailgate  102  and in such position forms a bottom of a seat. The rigid panel  302  provides adequate support as such bottom. 
     Affixed to or otherwise located along a surface of the rigid panel  302  is a cushion  304 . The cushion  304  is, for example, foam rubber, fill materials, blanketing or other similar seat materials intended for cushioning and comfort of the seat  108 . The cushion  304  is attached or affixed to the panel  302  by glue, staple, rivet or other securement. Alternatively, the cushion  304  can be easily removable from the panel  302 , as desired for the application. The cushion  304  includes a bevel  306  at an edge of the cushion  304  adjacent the hinge  110  affixed to the seat  108 . The bevel  306  (in cooperation with a similar configuration of the back  106 , as later described) better enables the positioning of the back  106  and the seat  108  in relative relation as shown in FIGS. 1-3. 
     Although not shown in detail in FIG. 3, the cushion  304 , the panel  302 , or both (i.e., when the cushion  304  is positioned adjacent the surface of the rigid panel  302 ) can be covered by upholstery, fabric, plastic, leather or other covering typical or otherwise useable and desired for seating of the type described. In any event, any such covering of the seat  108  does not inhibit or adversely affect operation of the hinge  110 , coupled with the seat  108  and the back  106 , to permit free pivoting of the seat  108  along the hinge. 
     The hinge  108 , as previously described, is fixedly attached to the rigid panel  302 , for example, by screws, nails, or other typical fixed connectors. The hinge  108  can be any of a wide variety of hinging elements, sufficient to permit the back  106  and the seat  108  to be fixed in pivoting relation along an edge of each. The hinge  108  can extend along the entirety of an edge of each of the back  106  and the seat  108  (such as generally shown in the Figures) or can be any other combination or multiple of individual and separate hinging elements that fix the back  106  and the seat  108  in hinged and pivotal relationship. The hinge  108 , in every event, should permit the back  106  and the seat  108  to be positioned in the relationship of FIGS. 1-3, i.e., wherein the back  106  is upright with respect to the horizontally located seat  108 . 
     The back  106  of the system  100  includes a rigid sheet  308  and a cushioned pad  310 . The rigid sheet  308  can be the same as or similar to the panel  302  of the seat  108 . Alternatively, the rigid sheet  308  can be any of a wide variety of materials sufficient to support persons leaning against the back  106 . As shown in FIG. 1, the back  106 , in use with the tailgate  102  of the pickup truck  104 , is positioned upright with respect to the tailgate  102  and in such position forms a back support member a seat. The rigid sheet  308  in any event provides adequate support as such back support member of the seat. 
     The cushioned pad  310  of the back  106  can also be the same as or similar to the cushion  302  of the seat  108 . For example, the pad  310  can be foam rubber, fill materials, blanketing or other similar back materials intended for cushioning and comfort of the back  106 . The cushioned pad  310  is attached or affixed to the sheet  308  by glue, staple, rivet or other securement. Alternatively, the cushioned pad  310  can be easily removable from the sheet  308 . As with the cushion  304  of the seat  108 , the cushioned pad  310  includes a bevel  312  at an edge of the pad  310  adjacent the hinge  110  at the back  106 . The bevel  312  cooperates with the bevel  306  to permit the back  106  to be rotated, at the hinge  110 , toward the seat  108 , in order to form an upright back  106  and horizontal seat  108  arrangement, such as shown in FIGS. 1-3. 
     The hinge  110  is attached along an edge of the sheet  308 , to permit the back  106  to pivot in relation to the seat  108  (as generally shown by arcular arrow B in FIG.  3 ). Attachment of the hinge  110  to the sheet  308  is substantially the same as possible for the seat  108 . 
     Although not shown in detail in FIG. 3, the back  106 , similarly to the seat  108 , can be covered by upholstery, fabric, plastic, leather or other covering typical or otherwise useable and desired for seating of the type described. Any such covering of the back  106  permits effective operation of the hinge  110 , as coupled with the seat  108  and the back  106 . 
     The back  106  is supported in upright relation to the seat  108  via the pole  112 . As later described, the pole  112  is, for example, positioned across the bed  114  of the pickup truck. The pole  112  is fixedly so positioned in various manner, and is in every event sufficiently fixed to support the back  106  whenever persons or other loads are placed against the back  106  when the system  100  is in use as a tailgate seat. 
     Referring to FIG. 4, in conjunction with FIG. 2, the same cross-section along lines A-A′ is shown with different rotational relation of the back  106  and the seat  108 . In FIG. 4, the back  106  and the seat  108  are folded along the hinge  110 , until the rigid panel  302  of the seat  108  and the rigid sheet  308  of the back  106  are in adjacent and close relationship. In the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 4, the system  100  is in compacted condition, in that the relationship of the adjacently facing panel  302  and sheet  308  make the entire system  100  relatively flat. 
     When the folded relationship of the back  106  and the seat  108 , along the hinge  110 , are as shown in FIG.  4 —that is, where the panel  302  and the sheet  308  are adjacently facing when folded at the hinge  110 —the width of the system (as seen in cross-section in FIG. 4) is minimal. For example, depending on the thickness of the panel  302 , the sheet  308 , the pad  310 , and the cushion  304 , the system can have thickness on the order of from about an inch to a couple of inches (e.g., on the order of about 3-4″, more or less). As so folded the system width (in cross-section) is minimal. For storage or otherwise when not in use, for example, the folded system  100  can be located along the bed of a pickup truck. In the particular example shown in FIG. 4, for instance, the folded system  100  is propped upright along an edge of the bed, such as upright towards the edge of the bed near the truck cab or upright along the closed tailgate. In such upright location, the folded system  100  is secured in the location and position via the pole  112 . The pole  112  can extend across the length of the panel  304  or sheet  310 , as applicable, facing outwardly from the bed edge. The pole  112  is secured in this position by features of the pole  112  and/or the pickup bed, as hereafter further discussed, such as via holes for selectively locating the pole at its ends or by retaining spring or similar force of the pole  112  where the pole  112  has jambing features. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, in conjunction with FIG. 1, the bed  114  and tailgate  102  of the pickup truck  104  of FIG. 1 are shown with the stored and folded system  100 . The bed  114  of the truck  104  includes respective holes  502 ,  504  along a side of the bed  114 . The holes  502 ,  504  permit placement of respective ends of the pole  112  within the holes  502 ,  504 . The holes  502 ,  504  are located and spaced, in the exemplary arrangement, along sides of the bed  114  in the vicinity of the tailgate  102 . The pole  112  (as located in the holes  502 ,  504  or as otherwise so positioned) provides support along the back  106  (or, alternatively, the seat  108 , if an opposite orientation of the arrangement is employed) in the folded system  100 . The support along the back  106  (or the seat  108 , as the case may be) maintains the folded system  100  in place as shown in FIG.  5 . In the stored and folded system  100 , the system  100  is maintained from shifting or other extensive movement during transport and so forth. 
     Although not detailed in the Figures, the pole  112  can, as an alternative to position in the holes  502 ,  504 , be equipped with jambing capability. For example, conventionally available accessories for trucks include pole type members that can be effectively lodged between sides of a bed of a truck. These type members are typically employed for retaining transported equipment and the like in the bed of the truck, and prevent excessive shifting and the like of the bed contents. The conventionally available pole type members, for example, provide spring, screw or other jamb-type positioning of the pole in rigid and supporting manner in order to maintain the folded system  100  in place. Of course, if the holes  502 ,  504  are not required for locating the pole  112 , either because the pole  112  has jamb capability or otherwise, then permanent holes or other added securement means for the pole  112  are not necessary. In any event, the pole  112 , however located and secured with the bed  114 , serves for supporting the folded system  100  substantially as shown. 
     Referring to FIG. 6, the system  100  is shown in use according to the configuration for the pole  112  of FIG.  5 . In the configuration, the pole  112  is positioned with respective ends in the holes  502 ,  504  on either side of the bed  114  of the pickup truck  104 . As so positioned, the pole  112  supports the back  106 . The seat  108  is positioned with respect to the back  106 , so that the back  106  is upright against the pole  112  and the seat  108  lays atop the tailgate  102  (in down or open position). It is notable that the back  106  and the seat  108  pivot on the hinge  110 , attached to both the back  106  and the seat  108 . Where the thicknesses of the back  106  or the seat  108 , or both, are such that the system  100  can fold only in one manner, the pivot to achieve the particular relationship of the back  106  and the seat  108  in FIG. 6 is an opposite pivot. In every event, the hinge  110  permits the back  106  and the seat  108  to change in relative position and to form a tailgate seat and also to be folded for storage. 
     Although not shown in detail in the Figures, the back  106  can, but need not necessarily, include additional elements in order to fix the back  106  with the pole  112  or otherwise, to provide further rigidity to the tailgate seat in use. Moreover, although also not shown in detail in the Figures, the seat  108  can, but need not necessarily, include additional parts to substantially fix the seat  108  with respect to the tailgate  102 . The additional elements or parts can be any of a wide variety of common devices, for example, snaps, latches, hooks, Velcro™, or other possibilities. The purpose of the additional elements or parts, in any event, is to further support and maintain the positioning of the back  106  relative to the seat  108  and the entire system  100  with respect to the truck  104 , particularly the bed  114  and the tailgate  102 . 
     In operation, the system  100  forms a tailgate seat or similar feature. Because the back  106  and/or the seat  108  can include cushioning, padding, upholstery, and the like, the system  100  provides a convenient and comfortable accessory. In use, the system  100  forms the tailgate seat sufficiently for one or more persons to sit in normal manner at the truck&#39;s tailgate location. 
     As previously discussed, when the system  100  is not in use as the tailgate seat, the system  100  is folded and located compactly adjacent the tailgate or otherwise within the bed of the pickup. Where the pole  112  is placed in the holes  502 ,  504  for support, the holes  502 ,  504  can be positioned in the bed  114  in such manner as to serve to support the pole  112  both for the purposes illustrated in FIG.  5  and FIG.  6 . That is, the pole  112  can be located to provide support of the back  106  when in use and also to support the entire folded system  100  when stored and not in use as a seat. Of course, if the holes  502 ,  504  are not required because the pole  112  serves inherently for the required support (such as, for example, because of jamb capabilities or otherwise), then the holes  502 ,  504  need not be formed in the bed  114  in the manner shown. Also, if holes are not required because of the pole  112  operations, the storage options for the folded system  100  may be multiplied. For example, the folded system  100  could easily be stored and maintained within the bed in similar manner but along portions of the bed adjacent the truck cab. Numerous options and alternatives are possible in all cases. 
     Referring to FIG. 7, the back  108  and the seat  106  are positioned in pivot along the hinge  110  to provide a relatively flat configuration. In this or similar configuration, the system  100  can be used within the bed of the truck or otherwise, even without simultaneous use of the pole  112  for support. The flattened configuration can provide a cushioned extent of the bottom of the pickup bed, for example. Alternatively, the flattened configuration can be used externally to the pickup bed. An exemplary use of the flattened configuration of the system  100  is a bed in camping or the like. 
     A potential benefit of the tailgate seat provided via the system  100  is in picnics, tailgate parties, event seating, and similar situations. It is believed that these and similar uses can provide branding and display opportunities. The back  108  and/or the seat  106 , for example, can be prepared with a label or insignia. A particular example of the arrangement includes on the back  108 , at the cushioned surface, a display of a team emblem or the like. For tailgate parties and similar events, the system  100  then can simultaneously provide use as a comfortable and convenient tailgate seat and provide a desired display when persons are not seated at the tailgate seat. Numerous other possibilities for display and use are possible and all are included for purposes of this description. 
     In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. 
     Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. As used herein, the terms “comprises, “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1