Folding sidewall assembly for truck beds

Abstract

A pickup truck modification wherein the truck bed is effectively extended laterally by providing opposing, hingedly attached sidewalls. The sidewalls may be selectively positioned vertically or horizontally, and, when positioned horizontally, allow for positioning relatively wide loads. The truck bed is effectively widened as the sidewalls are laterally positioned in weight bearing relation by abutment members which depend from the sidewalls. Loads wider than the truck bed, but not substantially exceeding the additional width created by the laterally extended sidewalls, may be placed on the truck bed with the excess portion of the load supported by the sidewalls. When used in combination with an extendable ramp assembly, loading and unloading of bulky loads is greatly facilitated.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10 / 226,166, filed on Aug. 23, 2002.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to modifications for truck beds. More specifically, it relates to a folding sidewall assembly which facilitates loading and storage of wide loads. [0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0005] With the recent popularity of sport utility vehicles (SUVs), there has been a corresponding increase in interest in light trucks of all kinds, including pickup trucks. Indeed, most major car and truck manufacturers are now offering SUVs which can be converted to pickup trucks by removing and storing a few body panels. Pickup truck modifications of all types have been available for years, which modifications would include campers and ramp assemblies. [0006] As the interest in off road vehicles has increased, so has the interest in other recreational vehicles suc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] Briefly, the invention comprises a truck bed modification wherein the truck bed is effectively extended laterally by providing opposing, hingedly attached sidewalls. The sidewalls may be selectively positioned vertically or horizontally, and, when positioned horizontally, allow for positioning relatively wide loads. The truck bed is effectively widened as the sidewalls are laterally positioned in weight bearing relation by abutment members which depend from the sidewalls. Loads wider than the truck bed, but not substantially exceeding the additional width created by the laterally extended sidewalls, may be placed on the truck bed with the excess portion of the load supported by the sidewalls. When used in combination with an extendable ramp assembly, loading and unloading of bulky loads is greatly facilitated.

[0012] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a new and improved truck bed which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art in a simple but effective manner.

[0013] It is a major object of this invention to provide a pickup truck modification which increases the effective width of a truck bed.

[0015] It is another object to provide a truck bed modification where the truck bed sidewall can be folded down in weight bearing relation to the truck bed to laterally extend the weight bearing surface area of the truck bed.

[0016] Finally, it is a general goal of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

Problems solved by technology

A problem often encountered with this arrangement is that it is difficult, if not impossible, to load two such recreational vehicles onto a single truck bed due to space constraints.

More often than not it is the width of the truck bed, as defined and limited by the sidewalls, which presents the biggest obstacle to loading multiple recreational vehicles onto a single truck.

While pickup trucks having modified or adjustable sidewall assemblies are known, the prior art does not disclose a sidewall assembly useful for effectively extending the width of the truck bed of a pickup truck.

Images