Patent Description:
Original Equipment ("OE") cargo platforms, or cargo boxes, are commonly found on pickup trucks from manufactures such as Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, RAM, Isuzu, Mazda, Nissan, or any brand where the main cargo platform is a separate removable entity that is not attached to the passenger compartment body structure.

However, these OE cargo platforms do not allow for customization of the cargo platform or deck, like customized lengths, widths and height dimensions that may be customized in a modular format per customer specifications.

Also, these OE cargo platforms do not allow for interchangeability of the cargo platforms between other OE vehicle platforms, like between multiple OE occupant compartments (or "cab") configurations (such as single, <NUM>-door, extended, <NUM>-door, and crew cab variants).

In addition, these OE cargo platforms do not provide minimal, if any, anchoring solutions.

Furthermore, these OE cargo platforms do not provide the ability to accept and mount designed modules, kits and sub-systems.

Finally, these OE cargo platforms do not provide the ability to be reconfigured to achieve specific mission profile set(s) by allowing for installation and removal of mounted modules, kits, or subsystems without having to replace the main deck and extension deck modules.

Therefore, a need exists for a device, system or method for OE cargo platforms that allows for customization of the cargo platform or deck, allows for interchangeability of the cargo platforms between other OE vehicle platforms, provides anchoring solutions, provides the ability to accept and mount designed modules, kits and sub-systems, provides the ability to be reconfigured to achieve specific mission profile set(s), the like, and/or combinations thereof.

The instant disclosure may be designed to address at least certain aspects of the problems or needs discussed above by providing a configurable common deck system.

The present disclosure solves the aforementioned limitations of the currently available OE cargo platforms, by providing a configurable common deck system. The disclose device, system or method may be configured for various OE cargo platforms to allow for customization of the cargo platform or deck, to allow for interchangeability of the cargo platforms between other OE vehicle platforms, to provide anchoring solutions, to provide the ability to accept and mount designed modules, kits and sub-systems, to provide the ability to be reconfigured to achieve specific mission profile set(s), the like, and/or combinations thereof. The disclosed configurable common deck system for an original equipment chassis of a vehicle includes a support frame and a plurality of decking planks. The support frame is configured to be attached to the original equipment chassis of the vehicle. The plurality of decking planks are configured to cover the support frame to create a deck. The deck has a customizable size with a length, a width and a height. The configurable common deck system further comprises an integration plate, the integration plate mounted flush to the plurality of decking planks, wherein a top side of the integration plate is flush with a top surface of the deck, wherein the integration plate is configurable for an array of hardware locations and sizes via fully tapped holes, wherein each of the fully tapped holes are reinforced with steel threaded inserts and are located and sized to match a thread size and a pitch that a customer chooses; wherein the integration plate with the fully tapped holes is configured to mount weaponry, wherein a bolt pattern of the weaponry is configured to match the fully tapped holes of the integration plate, wherein the integration plate includes: a circular integration plate with circularly oriented fully tapped holes, a rectangular integration plate with rectangularly oriented fully tapped holes or combinations thereof.

One feature of the disclosed configurable common deck system may be that it can include a plurality of anchor tracks. The anchor tracks may be recessed between the decking planks or on top of the decking planks. The plurality of anchor tracks may be configured for attaching modules, kits and sub-systems at various desired locations on the deck. In select embodiments, each of the plurality of anchor tracks may be seat and cargo track fittings configured for a single stud fitting, a double stud fitting and a triple stud fitting. In select embodiments thereof, each of the plurality of anchor tracks can include a single stud load capacity rating from <NUM> to <NUM> for the single stud fitting, or a double or triple stud load capacity rating up to <NUM> for the double stud fitting or the triple stud fitting. Wherein, the plurality of anchor tracks may be configured for panel fittings, stanchion fittings, galley fittings, tiedown fittings, or a combination thereof.

Another feature of the disclosed configurable common deck system may be the inclusion of at least one attachment ring in select embodiments. The attachment rings may be configured for lifting the deck, securing cargo on the deck, or combinations thereof. In select embodiments, the configurable common deck system may include four attachment rings positioned approximate each corner of the deck.

In select embodiments of the disclosed configurable common deck system, the support frame may include a pair of longitudinal beams, a plurality of cross-beams, a plurality of supports, and a rigid outer deck frame. The pair of longitudinal beams may run the length of the deck. The pair of longitudinal beams may include attachment locations configured for attaching the deck to the original equipment chassis. The plurality of cross-beams may interconnect the pair of longitudinal beams. The plurality of supports may run the width of the deck configured for supporting the plurality of decking planks and the plurality of anchor tracks. In select embodiments, each of the attachment locations on the pair of longitudinal beams may include a cantilever mount. The cantilever mounts may each include a tension bracket having a hook and at least one attachment hole. The attachment hole may be configured for securing the longitudinal beams directly to the original equipment chassis via bolts or the like.

Another feature of the disclosed configurable common deck system may be the inclusion of a cargo or equipment cover assembly in select embodiments. The cargo or equipment cover may be configured for covering the deck in a closed position and being configured to open to a rear of the deck in an open position for exposing the deck. In select embodiments, the cargo or equipment cover assembly may include a pair of slide tracks approximate outer longitudinal edges of the deck. The slide tracks may be configured to allow the cargo or equipment cover assembly to slide from the closed position to the open position. Wherein the pair of slide tracks approximate the outer longitudinal edges of the deck may be attached to the deck via anchor track on or approximate the outer longitudinal edges of the deck.

Another feature of the disclosed configurable common deck system may be the inclusion of a bulkhead rollbar assembly in select embodiments. Wherein the bulkhead rollbar assembly may be configured to attach and support equipment, weaponry, or combinations thereof near a cab of the vehicle.

Another feature of the disclosed configurable common deck system may be the inclusion of a module extension assembly in select embodiments. The module extension assembly may be configured to provide an added length to the deck for mounting on a longer original equipment chassis or for providing an extended deck length on the original equipment chassis. Wherein, when the module extension assembly is attached to the deck, the deck may be configured to be used on the longer original equipment chassis or on the same OE chassis for providing an extended length of the deck. In addition, when the module extension assembly is not attached to the deck, the same deck may be configured to be used on a shorter original equipment chassis. In select embodiments, the module extension assembly may include an extension frame, a plurality of extended decking planks, and a pair of connection rods. The extension frame may be configured to attach to the original equipment chassis of the vehicle. The plurality of extended decking planks may be configured to cover the extension frame to create an extension deck. The pair of connection rods may be configured to connect the support frame of the deck to the extension frame of the extension deck. The pair of connection rods may be configured for locating, connecting and stiffening the connection between the module extension assembly and the deck.

A feature of the disclosed configurable common deck system is the inclusion of an integration plate. In select embodiments, the integration plate may be flush mounted to the decking planks and anchor tracks, wherein a top side of the integration plate is flush with a top surface of the deck. The integration plate is configurable for an array of hardware locations and sizes via fully tapped holes. Each of the fully tapped holes is reinforced with steel threaded inserts. The fully tapped holes are located and sized to match a thread size and a pitch that a customer chooses. Accordingly, the integration plate with the fully tapped holes is configured to mount weaponry, wherein a bolt pattern of weaponry is configured to match the fully tapped holes of the integration plate. The configurable common deck with the integration plate may provide a flat and clean surface that a customer can use to carry standard cargo, a palletized item or, palletized items, whereby the configurable common deck with the integration plate is configured to then switch to mount a particular item that gives the customer offensive or defensive capabilities. In select embodiments, the integration plate or plates may include a circular integration plate with circularly oriented fully tapped holes. In other select embodiments, the integration plate or plates may include a rectangular integration plate with rectangularly oriented fully tapped holes. In other select embodiments, the integration plate may include both circular integration plate with circularly oriented fully tapped holes and rectangular integration plate with rectangularly oriented fully tapped holes.

In another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces a method for the customization of an original equipment cargo platform of a vehicle. The disclosed method for the customization of an original equipment cargo platform of a vehicle may include utilizing the configurable common deck system disclosed herein in any of the various embodiments and/or combination of embodiments shown and/or described herein. As such, in general the disclosed method for the customization of an original equipment cargo platform of a vehicle may include providing the configurable common deck system for an original equipment chassis of the vehicle as disclosed herein in any of the various embodiments and/or combination of embodiments shown and/or described herein. Accordingly, the provided configurable common deck system includes a support frame and a plurality of decking planks. The support frame is configured to attach to the original equipment chassis of the vehicle. The plurality of decking planks are configured to cover the support frame to create a deck. Wherein, the deck may has customizable size with a length, a width and a height. As a result, with the provided configurable common deck system, the method for the customization of an original equipment cargo platform of a vehicle includes the steps of: installing the provided configurable common deck system on the original equipment chassis of the vehicle; and customizing the original equipment cargo platform of the vehicle via the installed configurable common deck system.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the disclosure, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

The present disclosure will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:.

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed disclosure.

Referring now to <FIG>, in describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.

Referring now to <FIG>, in a possibly preferred embodiment, the present disclosure overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such an apparatus, system or method by providing of the disclosed configurable common deck system <NUM>. The present disclosure of configurable common deck system <NUM> solves the aforementioned limitations of the currently available devices, systems or methods for OE cargo platforms by providing the disclosed common deck system <NUM> that may allow for customization of the cargo platform or deck, allows for interchangeability of the cargo platforms between other OE vehicle platforms, provides anchoring solutions, provides the ability to accept and mount designed modules, kits and sub-systems, provides the ability to be reconfigured to achieve specific mission profile set(s), the like, and/or various combinations thereof. Configurable common deck system <NUM> may be for an original equipment, or OE chassis <NUM> of a vehicle <NUM>, as shown in in <FIG> and <FIG>. Configurable common deck system <NUM> may be designed and configured to fit any OE chassis for any desired vehicle. As examples, and clearly not limited thereto, configurable common deck system <NUM> may be configured to be installed on any vehicles or pickup trucks where the main cargo platform is a separate removable entity that is not attached to the passenger compartment body structure, including, but not limited to, from manufactures such as Toyota®, Honda®, Ford®, Chevrolet®, GMC®, RAM®, Isuzu®, Mazda®, Nissan®, or the like. Configurable common deck system <NUM> will remain structurally the same for each various vehicle of pickup truck but may just have different attachment locations <NUM> for various holes in the various OE chassis of the various vehicles.

Accordingly, the present disclosure solves the aforementioned limitations of the currently available OE cargo platforms, by providing configurable common deck system <NUM>. Configurable common deck system <NUM> for OE chassis <NUM> of vehicle <NUM> includes support frame <NUM> and plurality of decking planks <NUM>. Support frame <NUM> may be configured to be attached to OE chassis <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>, like as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The plurality of decking planks <NUM> is configured to cover support frame <NUM> to create deck <NUM>. Wherein, deck <NUM> has customizable size <NUM> with length <NUM>, width <NUM> and height <NUM>. The customizable size <NUM> of deck <NUM> may allow for various sizes and shapes of configurable common deck system <NUM> as may be desired for various applications or uses of configurable common deck system <NUM> on various OE chassis <NUM> of various vehicles <NUM>. In select example embodiments, customizable size <NUM> of deck <NUM> may include length <NUM> of <NUM> inches, like the embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In other select example embodiments, customizable size <NUM> of deck <NUM> may include length <NUM> of <NUM> inches, like the embodiments shown in <FIG>. In addition to various lengths <NUM> and widths <NUM>, configurable common deck system <NUM> may also include a customizable height <NUM>. This customizable height <NUM> may allow for deck <NUM> to sit higher of lower off of chassis <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>. The decking planks <NUM> and fame <NUM> may be made from any desirable material for configurable common deck system <NUM>. In select embodiments, decking planks <NUM> and frame <NUM> may be made from an aluminum material. As an example, and clearly not limited thereto, in possibly preferred embodiments the decking planks <NUM> and frame <NUM> may be made from an aluminum <NUM> material or an aluminum <NUM> material, or combinations thereof. Decking planks <NUM> may be positioned and configured in any orientation, length, thickness, the like, etc. to create deck <NUM>. As examples, and clearly not limited thereto, in select embodiments decking planks <NUM> may be provided in thicknesses from <NUM> inches to <NUM> inches. As another example, and clearly not limited thereto, in possibly preferred embodiments, decking planks <NUM> may have a thickness of <NUM> inches or approximate thereto.

Plurality of anchor tracks <NUM> may be included in configurable common deck system <NUM>. Anchor tracks <NUM> may be for providing customizable attachment points on deck <NUM>, like for anchoring or installing various cargo, weaponry, mounted modules, kits, subsystems, or the like on top of deck <NUM> of configurable common deck system <NUM>. The plurality of anchor tracks <NUM> may be configured for attaching anything onto the deck, including, but not limited to, any modules, kits and/or sub-systems at various desired locations on deck <NUM>. In select possibly preferred embodiments, as shown in the Figures, anchor tracks <NUM> may be recessed between decking planks <NUM> to create flat, clean surface on deck <NUM>. However, the disclosure is not so limited, and in other possible embodiments, anchor tracks <NUM> may be on top of decking planks <NUM>. The plurality of anchor tracks <NUM> may thus be configured for attaching modules, kits and sub-systems at various desired locations on deck <NUM>. In select embodiments, each of the plurality of anchor tracks <NUM> may be seat and cargo track fittings <NUM> configured for a single stud fitting, a double stud fitting and a triple stud fitting, like Ancra Seat and Cargo Tracks from Ancra Cargo of Erlanger, KY. The plurality of anchor tracks <NUM> may be any type or size of anchor tracks and may include various track and securing hardware, including MSI Defense Solutions of Mooresville, NC track and securing hardware, or any other desired options. Anchor tracks <NUM> may be positioned and configured in any orientation, length, thickness, the like, etc. to create deck <NUM>.

In select embodiments thereof, each of the plurality of anchor tracks <NUM> can include a single stud load capacity rating from <NUM> to <NUM> for the single stud fitting, or a double or triple stud load capacity rating up to <NUM> for the double stud fitting or the triple stud fitting. These load capacities may allow for the installation and support of various cargo, weaponry, mounted modules, kits, subsystems, or the like on top of deck <NUM> via anchor tracks <NUM>. As examples, anchor tracks <NUM> may be configured for panel fittings, stanchion fittings, galley fittings, tiedown fittings, or a combination thereof for installing and supporting such panel fittings, stanchion fittings, galley fittings, tiedown fittings on various cargo, weaponry, mounted modules, kits, subsystems, or the like.

Attachment ring <NUM> or a plurality of attachment rings <NUM> may also be included in configurable common deck system <NUM>. See <FIG> and <FIG>. Attachment rings <NUM> may be for providing a means for lifting deck <NUM>, securing cargo on the deck, or the like. Attachment rings <NUM> may thus be configured for lifting deck <NUM>, securing cargo on the deck, or combinations thereof. Attachment rings <NUM> may be optionally included with configurable common deck system <NUM> and/or attachment rings <NUM> may be removable from deck <NUM> to provide the customer with the options of including attachment rings <NUM> or not. In select embodiments, as shown in the Figures, configurable common deck system <NUM> may include four attachment rings <NUM> positioned approximate each corner <NUM> of deck <NUM>. However, the disclosure is not so limited and any various number or location of attachment rings <NUM> may be included. The attachment ring <NUM> or rings <NUM> may be configured for lifting the deck, like for transporting the deck from one vehicle to another, or for transporting the deck to various locations. In addition, the attachment rings <NUM> may be utilized for securing cargo on the configurable common deck system <NUM>. The attachment rings <NUM> may be configured to fold down flat with the decking planks <NUM> for creating a flat or smooth surface <NUM>.

Support frame <NUM> is included in configurable common deck system <NUM>. Support frame <NUM> may be for providing the structure underneath and supporting decking planks <NUM> for creating deck <NUM>. Support frame <NUM> may also provide a means or location for connecting configurable common deck system <NUM> to OE chassis <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>. Support frame <NUM> may include any parts, or combination of parts, means and connections for supporting decking planks <NUM> to create deck <NUM> and/or for providing a means or location for connecting configurable common deck system <NUM> to OE chassis <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>. In select embodiments, as shown in the Figures, support frame <NUM> may include a pair of longitudinal beams <NUM>, a plurality of cross-beams <NUM>, a plurality of supports <NUM>, and a rigid outer deck frame <NUM>. The pair of longitudinal beams <NUM> may run the length of deck <NUM>. The pair of longitudinal beams <NUM> may include attachment locations <NUM> configured for attaching deck <NUM> to OE chassis <NUM>. Pair of longitudinal beams <NUM> may be designed and configured to rest on OE chassis <NUM> and be secured thereto on top of OE chassis <NUM>. The pair of longitudinal beams <NUM> may include holes and/or attachment locations <NUM> configured for attaching deck <NUM> to the OE chassis <NUM>. These holes and/or attachment locations <NUM> may vary for each OE chassis <NUM>. In addition, the spacing between each longitudinal beam <NUM> may vary for each OE chassis <NUM>. The plurality of cross-beams <NUM> may interconnect the pair of longitudinal beams <NUM>. The plurality of supports <NUM> may run the width of deck <NUM> and may be configured for supporting the plurality of decking planks <NUM> and the plurality of anchor tracks <NUM>. In select embodiments, each of the attachment locations <NUM> on the pair of longitudinal beams <NUM> may include cantilever mount <NUM>. The cantilever mounts <NUM> may each include tension bracket <NUM> having a hook and at least one attachment hole <NUM>. The attachment holes <NUM> may be configured for securing the longitudinal beams <NUM> directly to the OE chassis <NUM> via bolts, or the like. The rigid outer deck frame <NUM> may support deck <NUM> and provide added rigidity to the structure. The plurality of decking planks <NUM> may be welded at all contact locations to the supports <NUM> and rigid outer deck frame <NUM>. Although the Figures of the instant disclosure show a certain configuration for support frame <NUM>, the disclosure is not so limited, and any desired configuration of support frame <NUM> may be use, including any configuration of support frame <NUM> for supporting various configurations, shapes, sizes, etc. of deck <NUM>, including any integration plates <NUM>, decking planks <NUM>, attachment rings <NUM>, bulkhead and rollbar assembly <NUM>, cargo or equipment cover assembly <NUM>, the like, etc..

Referring now specifically to <FIG> and <FIG>, another feature of the disclosed configurable common deck system <NUM> may be that it can include cargo or equipment cover assembly <NUM>. Cargo or equipment cover assembly <NUM> may be for covering deck <NUM> for any various reasons and/or may be for providing a rigid structure or frame above deck <NUM> for mounting or supporting various devices, items or weapons. Cargo or equipment cover assembly <NUM> may be configured for covering deck in closed position <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. Likewise, cargo and equipment cover assembly <NUM> may be configured to open to rear <NUM> of deck <NUM> in open position <NUM> for exposing deck <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>. Cargo or equipment cover assembly <NUM> may open or close by any various means or devices. The cargo or equipment cover assembly <NUM> may open and close by any means, including but not limited to, sliding open, hinging or pivoting open, flipping open, the like, etc., including in any direction, like longitudinally with deck <NUM> (as shown in the Figures), transversely with deck <NUM>, or any other directions or orientations. In select embodiments, cargo or equipment cover assembly <NUM> may include a pair of slide tracks <NUM> approximate outer longitudinal edges <NUM> of deck <NUM>. The slide tracks <NUM> may be configured to allow cargo or equipment cover assembly <NUM> to slide from closed position <NUM> to open position <NUM>. In select embodiments, as shown in the Figures, the pair of slide tracks <NUM> may be positioned approximate the outer longitudinal edges <NUM> of deck <NUM> and may be attached to deck <NUM> via anchor track <NUM> on or approximate these outer longitudinal edges <NUM> of deck <NUM>. In other select embodiments, the pair of slide tracks <NUM> may be positioned approximate the outer transverse edges of deck <NUM> and may be attached to deck <NUM> via anchor track <NUM> on or approximate these outer transverse edges <NUM> of deck <NUM>, where cargo or equipment cover assembly <NUM> may slide open transversely from vehicle <NUM> to one side or the other.

Still referring specifically to <FIG> and <FIG>, another feature of configurable common deck system <NUM> may be the inclusion of bulkhead rollbar assembly <NUM> in select embodiments. Bulkhead rollbar assembly <NUM> may be configured for attaching and/or supporting equipment <NUM>, weaponry, the like, or combinations thereof near cab <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>.

Now referring specifically to <FIG>, configurable common deck system <NUM> may include module extension assembly <NUM> in select embodiments. Module extension assembly <NUM> may be for providing extra length to deck <NUM> of configurable common deck system <NUM> to create extended length <NUM>. Module extension assembly <NUM> may also allow for the interchangeability of the same deck <NUM> from smaller or shorter OE chassis <NUM> to larger or longer OE chassis of various vehicles <NUM>. In addition, module extension assembly <NUM> may be for providing deck <NUM> with extended length <NUM> on the same length OE chassis <NUM> for just providing extra length to deck <NUM> on the same vehicle <NUM>. As examples, module extension assembly <NUM> may be configured to provide added length <NUM> to deck <NUM>, whereby, module extension assembly <NUM> may be attached to deck <NUM> for mounting on longer cargo and/or troop carrying OE vehicles, where the same deck <NUM> can thereby be used on the longer cargo and/or troop carrying OE vehicles and shorter cargo and/or troop carrying OE vehicles (without the module extension assembly <NUM>). Module extension assembly <NUM> may thus be configured to provide added length <NUM> to deck <NUM> for mounting on longer OE chassis <NUM> to create extended length <NUM>. Wherein, when module extension assembly <NUM> is attached to deck <NUM>, deck <NUM> may be configured to be used on a longer OE chassis <NUM> or on the same OE chassis <NUM> for just providing a longer deck <NUM> on the same vehicle <NUM>. In addition, when module extension assembly <NUM> is not attached to deck <NUM>, the same deck <NUM> may be configured to be used on a shorter OE chassis <NUM>. In select embodiments, as shown in the Figures, module extension assembly <NUM> may include extension frame <NUM>, plurality of extended decking planks <NUM>, and pair of connection rods <NUM>. Extension frame <NUM> may be configured to attach to OE chassis <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>. The plurality of extended decking planks <NUM> may be configured to cover extension frame <NUM> to create extension deck <NUM>. The pair of connection rods <NUM> may be configured to connect support frame <NUM> of deck <NUM> to extension frame <NUM> of extension deck <NUM>. The pair of connection rods <NUM> may be configured for locating, connecting and stiffening the connection between module extension assembly <NUM> and deck <NUM>.

Another feature of the disclosed configurable common deck system is the inclusion of integration plate <NUM>, or multiple integration plates <NUM> on deck <NUM> as shown in the select embodiments of configurable common deck system <NUM>. See <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Each integration plate <NUM> is for providing a location for providing another means for configuring deck <NUM> for attachment to various weaponry, mounted modules, kits, subsystems, or the like on top of deck <NUM> of configurable common deck system <NUM>. In select embodiments, each integration plate <NUM> may be flush mounted to decking planks <NUM> and anchor tracks <NUM>, wherein top side <NUM> of integration plate <NUM> is flush with top surface <NUM> of deck <NUM>. Each integration plate <NUM> is configurable for an array of hardware locations <NUM> and sizes via fully tapped holes <NUM>. Each of the fully tapped holes <NUM> is reinforced with steel threaded inserts. The fully tapped holes <NUM> are located and sized to match a thread size and a pitch that a customer chooses for each integration plate <NUM>. Accordingly, each integration plate <NUM> with fully tapped holes <NUM> is configured to mount weaponry, wherein a bolt pattern of the weaponry is configured to match the fully tapped holes <NUM> of integration plate <NUM>. As an example, and clearly not limited thereto, configurable common deck system <NUM> with the integration plate <NUM> installed on deck <NUM> may provide a flat and clean surface <NUM> that a customer can use to carry standard cargo, a palletized item or, palletized items. Whereby, the configurable common deck system <NUM> with the integration plate <NUM> may be configured to then switch to mount a particular item that gives the customer offensive or defensive capabilities. Integration plate <NUM> and its fully tapped holes128 are configured to mount weaponry. The bolt pattern of the weaponry is configured to match the fully tapped holes <NUM> of the integration plate <NUM>. The main concept of the embodiments of the configurable common deck system <NUM> with the flush mounted integrated plates <NUM> may be to provide flush mounted "integration features" that contain customer and/or weapon system specific bolt pattern mounting features with thread size/pitch as dictated again by the customer singularly or by joint effort with MSI Design Engineering of Mooresville, NC. These "integration features" can occur in multiple locations (not just the <NUM> center mounted as shown in the Figures w/circular bolt pattern) and can be in customer specific shapes (think square or rectangular features that are located/recessed into any of the <NUM>" wide plank sections, with square or rectangular bolt patterns). As a result, as shown in the Figures, in select embodiments integration plates <NUM> may be circular integration plates 120C with circularly oriented fully tapped holes 128C. In other select embodiments, as shown in the Figures, integration plates <NUM> may be rectangular plates 120R with rectangularly oriented fully tapped holes 128R. In other select embodiments, as shown in the Figures, integration plates <NUM> may include both circular integration plates 120C with circularly oriented fully tapped holes 128C and rectangular integration plates 120R with rectangularly oriented fully tapped holes 128R. As should be understood by one skilled in the art, the integration plates <NUM>, including any combination of circular integration plates 120C and/or rectangular integration plates 120R, or other shaped or sized integration plates <NUM>, may be included at any desired location or combination of locations on deck <NUM> of configurable common deck system <NUM>. As such, although the Figures show certain configurations for integration plates <NUM>, the disclosure is not so limited, an configurable common deck system <NUM> may be provided with any combination of size, shape and location of integration plates <NUM> as a customer may desire.

Referring now to <FIG>, in another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces method <NUM> for the customization of an OE cargo platform of a vehicle. Method <NUM> for the customization of an OE cargo platform of a vehicle may include utilizing configurable common deck system <NUM> disclosed herein in any of the various embodiments and/or combination of embodiments shown and/or described herein. As such, in general method <NUM> for the customization of an OE cargo platform of a vehicle may include step <NUM> of providing configurable common deck system <NUM> for OE chassis <NUM> of vehicle <NUM> as disclosed herein in any of the various embodiments and/or combination of embodiments shown and/or described herein. Accordingly, the provided configurable common deck system <NUM> includes support frame <NUM> and plurality of decking planks <NUM>. Support frame <NUM> is configured to attach to OE chassis <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>. The plurality of decking planks <NUM> are configured to cover support frame <NUM> to create deck <NUM>. Wherein, deck <NUM> has customizable size <NUM> with length <NUM>, width <NUM> and height <NUM>. As a result, with the provided configurable common deck system <NUM>, method <NUM> for the customization of an OE cargo platform of a vehicle includes the steps of: step <NUM> of installing the provided configurable common deck system <NUM> on OE chassis <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>; and step <NUM> of customizing the OE cargo platform of vehicle <NUM> via the installed configurable common deck system <NUM>.

One advantage of the disclosed configurable common deck system <NUM> may be configured to be combined with an OE tailored lower frame structure. When combined, the disclosed configurable common deck system <NUM> may provide a complete assembly that can be attached to an OE vehicle chassis. Then, as an example, as the vehicles troop capacity or cargo capacity changes with customers needs, the module extension assembly <NUM> can be included to cover a larger vehicle base. The module extension assembly <NUM> may be made the same as a complete main vehicle deck assembly, with an upper common deck assembly and a lower frame structure.

Another feature of the disclosed configurable common deck system <NUM> may be its ability to be customized in a modular format, per customer specifications, to achieve specific length, width and height dimensions.

Another feature of the disclosed configurable common deck system <NUM> may be its ability to be configured to work in conjunction with multiple OE occupant compartment (or "cab") configurations (such as single, <NUM>-door, extended, <NUM> -door and crew cab variants) of a given OE manufacturer model/chassis type, while offering interchangeability of the main deck module assembly, between OE vehicle platforms that use a common chassis configuration.

Another feature of the disclosed configurable common deck system <NUM> may be its ability to provide multiple cargo and/or equipment anchoring solutions, via fully integrated maximized length anchor tracks <NUM>, like Ancra track sections provided by Ancra Cargo of Erlanger, KY. The dimensional layout of these anchor track <NUM> sections vastly increases the number of anchor point locations, compared to OE cargo platforms, and allows for customer selectable anchoring hardware types, all of which engage the anchor tracks <NUM>, like via the industry standardized interface profile dimensions of Ancra track sections provided by Ancra Cargo of Erlanger, KY.

Another feature of the disclosed configurable common deck system <NUM> may be its ability to directly accept and mount, via the provided lengths of anchor tracks <NUM>, multiple existing and future MSI Defense Solutions, LLC of Mooresville, NC designed modules, kits and sub-systems.

Another feature of the disclosed configurable common deck system <NUM> may be its ability to be reconfigured to achieve customer specified mission profile set(s) by installing and/or removing anchor track <NUM> mounted modules, kits or sub-systems without having to replace the main deck <NUM> and extension deck modules <NUM>.

Another feature of the disclosed configurable common deck system <NUM> may be its ability to be configured to contain customer and/or weapon system specific bolt pattern mounting features with thread size/pitch as dictated by the customer singularly or by joint effort with MSI Design Engineering of Mooresville, NC.

In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed. The present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

Claim 1:
A configurable common deck system (<NUM>) for an original equipment chassis (<NUM>) of a vehicle (<NUM>) comprising:
a support frame (<NUM>) configured to attach to the original equipment chassis (<NUM>) of the vehicle (<NUM>); and
a plurality of decking planks (<NUM>) configured to cover the support frame (<NUM>) to create a deck (<NUM>);
wherein, the deck having a customizable size (<NUM>) with a length (<NUM>), a width (<NUM>) and a height (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the configurable common deck system (<NUM>) further comprises an integration plate (<NUM>), the integration plate (<NUM>) mounted flush to the plurality of decking planks (<NUM>), wherein a top side (<NUM>) of the integration plate (<NUM>) is flush with a top surface (<NUM>) of the deck (<NUM>), wherein the integration plate (<NUM>) is configurable for an array of hardware locations (<NUM>) and sizes via fully tapped holes (<NUM>), wherein each of the fully tapped holes (<NUM>) are reinforced with steel threaded inserts and are located and sized to match a thread size and a pitch that a customer chooses;
wherein the integration plate (<NUM>) with the fully tapped holes (<NUM>) is configured to mount weaponry, wherein a bolt pattern of the weaponry is configured to match the fully tapped holes (<NUM>) of the integration plate (<NUM>), wherein the integration plate (<NUM>) includes: a circular integration plate (120C) with circularly oriented fully tapped holes (128C);
a rectangular integration plate (120R) with rectangularly oriented fully tapped holes (128R);
or combinations thereof.