Vehicle storage system

Abstract

A vehicle storage system may include a platform configured to substantially span an overall width of a vehicle compartment; the four supporting legs comprise two front supporting legs and two rear supporting legs; a central support extending between the support legs in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle compartment and configured to support the platform; and a drawer assembly. The platform may include a raised portion for coupling with the underside of the accessory case and securing attachment points that anchor the material on the platform while transferring the load and connecting the storage system to the truck bed. The drawer assembly may extend outwardly from the platform to allow the accessory case to be fully opened without having to remove the accessory case from the drawer assembly.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 18 / 358,298, filed July 25, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to a vehicle storage system and a method of manufacturing such a vehicle storage system. Background Technology

[0004] Existing vehicle storage systems, such as truck storage systems, typically consist of box-frame or cabinet structures with drawers, placed within the vehicle bed (e.g., truck bed) and secured to the truck bed via brackets and holes drilled into it. These drawers often do not extend sufficiently beyond the platform to allow access to accessory boxes located inside, and their size does not allow for full utilization of the available storage space. Furthermore, loading and / or handling such materials on top of the storage system becomes more difficult and less reliable because the upper surface is not designed to prevent slippage and / or sliding. Additionally, existing vehicle storage systems lack versatility in their storage compartments and are limited to a limited number of well-defined storage materials or containers. Moreover, these systems are designed with a wide variety of components independently necessary to meet performance requirements, such as heavy loads on the storage system, materials anchored to the system, and connections to the truck bed, which negatively impact the overall storage system and vehicle performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a truck storage system may include: a deck configured to substantially span the total width of a truck bed; four support legs, each located at a corresponding corner of the truck bed and configured to support the deck; a central support extending between the support legs along the longitudinal direction of the truck bed and configured to support the deck; at least one drawer assembly located between a front support leg and a rear support leg of the four support legs on a first side and the central support on a second side, the drawer assembly being configured to slide in the longitudinal direction of the truck bed; and at least one storage compartment located between the at least one drawer assembly and one side of the truck bed, the at least one storage compartment being structurally separable from the support legs.

[0006] The at least one storage compartment may be at least substantially waterproof, may include at least two storage compartments, the first of which may be located near the rear support leg, the second of which may be located near the front support leg on the first side of the platform, and may be completely removable.

[0007] The truck storage system may also include at least one storage cover for covering the at least one storage compartment, the length of which is approximately twice the length of the corresponding storage compartment.

[0008] The truck storage system may also include at least two fastening attachment members, each located between at least one drawer assembly and one side of the truck bed.

[0009] The truck storage system may also include at least two supports, each supporting a corresponding fastening attachment member to a passageway extending longitudinally along the truck bed. Each support is configured to support a load on the platform, anchor cargo in place, and attach the storage system to the truck bed. Each of the at least two fastening attachment members may include an attachment ring configured to fold downward into a recess in the platform and rotate upward.

[0010] The storage system can be connected to the truck bed via a screw-on mechanism.

[0011] The at least one drawer assembly includes at least two drawer assemblies that can be nested for packing, transporting and / or storing.

[0012] The at least one drawer assembly may have sidewalls inclined at an angle of up to 1 degree and may be configured to extend outward beyond the platform by at least 75% of the length of the at least one drawer assembly.

[0013] The platform may have an upper surface with a raised pattern configured to engage with a recessed pattern on the bottom surface of at least one accessory box, thereby creating a positive-fit connection between the platform and the at least one accessory box. The raised pattern may cover a large area of ​​the upper surface of the platform.

[0014] The truck storage system may also include at least two fastening attachment members, each located between at least one drawer assembly and one side of the truck bed, and the area between the at least two fastening attachment members does not contain the raised pattern.

[0015] The platform may include two platform halves configured to be staggered above a central support, with the front and rear support legs having different dimensions.

[0016] The truck storage system may also include at least one enclosure member configured to provide stability to the platform and prevent water from entering at least one drawer assembly.

[0017] According to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, the truck storage system may include: a platform configured to substantially span the total width of the truck bed; four support legs, each located at a corresponding corner of the truck bed and configured to support the platform; a central support extending between the support legs along the longitudinal direction of the truck bed and configured to support the platform; at least one drawer assembly located between a) a front and rear support legs on one side and b) the central support on the other side, the drawer assembly being configured to slide in the longitudinal direction of the truck bed; and at least one storage compartment located between the at least one drawer assembly and one side of the truck bed, the at least one storage compartment being located adjacent to a corresponding rear support leg.

[0018] According to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention, the truck storage system may include: a platform configured to substantially span the total width of the truck bed; four support legs, each located at a corresponding corner of the truck bed and configured to support the platform; a central support extending between the support legs along the longitudinal direction of the truck bed and configured to support the platform; at least one drawer assembly located between a) a front support leg and a rear support leg on one side and b) the central support on the other side, the drawer assembly being configured to slide in the longitudinal direction of the truck bed; at least one storage compartment located between the at least one drawer assembly and one side of the truck bed, the at least one storage compartment being structurally separable from the support legs; at least one fastening attachment member located between the at least one drawer assembly and one side of the truck bed; and at least one bracket, wherein the at least one bracket connects the fastening attachment member to a passage extending along the longitudinal direction of the truck bed.

[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 A top perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a truck storage system according to the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 A partially exploded view of a first exemplary embodiment of a truck storage system according to the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figures 3A to 3E Top perspective view, bottom perspective view, top view, bottom view and side view of the left platform half or right platform half of the truck storage system according to the present invention are shown respectively.

[0023] Figures 4A to 4D Top perspective view, top view, rear view and left view of the central support assembly of the truck storage system according to the present invention are shown respectively.

[0024] Figure 5 A top perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the central support component of the truck storage system according to the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figures 6A to 6D Top perspective view, top view, front / rear view, and side view of the rear support feet of the truck storage system according to the present invention are shown respectively. Foot A is a driver-side rear axle with a vehicle axle and a passenger-side front axle without a vehicle axle. Foot B is a driver-side front axle without a vehicle axle and a passenger-side rear axle with a vehicle axle.

[0026] Figures 7A to 7D Top perspective view, top view, front / rear view, and side view of the front support leg assembly of the truck storage system according to the present invention are shown respectively. Leg A is a driver-side rear axle with a vehicle axle and a passenger-side front axle without a vehicle axle. Leg B is a driver-side front axle without a vehicle axle and a passenger-side rear axle with a vehicle axle.

[0027] Figures 8A to 8D Top perspective view, top view, front / rear view and side view of the storage container assembly of the truck storage system according to the present invention are shown respectively.

[0028] Figures 9A to 9F Top perspective view, bottom perspective view, top view, bottom view, front / rear view and side view of the storage container cover of the truck storage system according to the present invention are shown respectively.

[0029] Figures 10A to 10D Top perspective view, top view, front / rear view and side view of the tie-down component of the truck storage system according to the present invention are shown respectively.

[0030] Figures 11A to 11D Top perspective view, top view, front / rear view and side view of the enclosed component of the truck storage system according to the present invention are shown respectively.

[0031] Figures 12A to 12C Top perspective view, front / rear view and side view of the guide passage of the truck storage system according to the present invention are shown respectively.

[0032] Figures 13A to 13F Top perspective view, top view, rear view, side view, sectional view and partially enlarged sectional view of the drawer assembly of the truck storage system according to the present invention are shown respectively. Figure 13E It is along Figure 13D The sectional view shown is along line AA. Figure 13F yes Figure 13EA partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the circled portion shown.

[0033] Figures 14A to 14D Top perspective view, rear view, front view and side view of the lock of the truck storage system according to the present invention are shown respectively.

[0034] Figures 15A to 15D Top perspective view, top view, left rear view and right rear view of the drawer wheel bracket assembly of the truck storage system according to the present invention are shown respectively.

[0035] Figures 16A to 16D Top perspective view, top view, front / rear view and side view of the drawer divider of the truck storage system according to the present invention are shown respectively. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figure 1 A top perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of the truck storage system 1 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A partially exploded view of a first exemplary embodiment of the truck storage system 1 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the truck storage system 1 may include a platform 10, a center support assembly 20, front support legs 30, rear support legs 40, storage compartments 50, storage compartment covers 55, drawer assemblies 60, and closures 70. The platform 10 includes a left platform half 10L and a right platform half 10R, all of which will be further described herein. The truck storage system 1 is sized to fit both long and short truck beds and can be used as... Figure 1 The diagram shows that the truck bed is basically covered across its entire width.

[0037] As used herein, the terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” and “right” refer to the direction in which a truck storage system may be installed, such as in a pickup truck. For example, the term “front” refers to the direction the vehicle is moving forward, the term “rear” refers to the direction the vehicle is moving backward, the term “left” refers to the driver’s side of the vehicle, and the term “right” refers to the passenger side of the vehicle (as is commonly used in the United States).

[0038] Figures 3A to 3E Various views of the left platform half 10L or the right platform half 10R of the truck storage system 1 according to the present invention are shown.

[0039] The left platform half 10L and the right platform half 10R may include an upper surface 11, a lower surface 12, front and rear edges 13, an inner edge 14, and an outer side edge 15. Platform halves 10L and 10R may be made of high-density polyethylene, other plastics, metal, or combinations thereof. The upper surface 11 may include one or more surface treatments that provide traction to prevent slippage and / or sliding of materials placed on the upper surface 11 (e.g., one or more accessory boxes). For example, the upper surface 11 may include protrusions 111 in one or more different regions. The protrusions 111 may be, for example, patterned or a series of evenly spaced protrusions or bumps.

[0040] The protrusion 111 can correspond to the bottom surface of one or more accessory boxes having a surface with one or more grooves, recesses, or holes. This correspondence can form a positive-fit connection between the platform 10 and one or more accessory boxes. At least a portion of the outer edge of the protrusion 111 can surround the corresponding groove or recess or hole of one or more accessory boxes. The protrusion 111 can therefore be adapted to engage with corresponding or complementary grooves, holes, or recesses of one or more accessory boxes. The depth and shape of each groove, hole, or recess can correspond to the depth and shape of the protrusion or bump, such that they have corresponding profiles. Furthermore, the distribution of the protrusion 111 can be selected based on the distribution of the grooves, and vice versa. The upper surface 11 of the platform 10 can thus prevent or reduce lateral displacement of the accessory boxes relative to the platform 10. The grooves on the bottom surface of the accessory boxes can guide the placement and / or reception and / or attachment of the accessory boxes to the upper surface 11 of the platform 10, thereby preventing slippage and / or sliding and / or disengagement of the accessory boxes. In alternative embodiments, other mechanisms may be employed to prevent the accessory box from slipping and / or sliding and / or disengaging, such that the connection and / or friction between the accessory box and the upper surface 11 of the platform 10 can secure and / or stabilize the accessory box to the platform 10.

[0041] like Figure 1As shown, the platform may include protrusions 111 in different regions along the upper surface 11. For example, the platform may include protrusions 111 on the entire upper surface 11 or only on a large portion of the upper surface 11 of each platform half 10L, 10R. In the example embodiment, the area above the central support assembly 20 may be generally flat and does not contain any protrusions 111. This may be advantageous so that accessory boxes placed on a particular platform half, such as the left platform half 10L, will not be unintentionally or accidentally moved to another platform half, such as the right platform half 10R, in response to vehicle movement. Alternatively or additionally, the area adjacent to the fastener 211 may be generally flat and does not contain protrusions 111. This may be advantageous so that items can be conveniently and / or efficiently mounted via rails, for example, located at or near the fastener 211.

[0042] Different areas of the upper surface 11 may include raised portions 111 of different patterns to accommodate, for example, different recessed patterns of multiple accessory boxes. For example, one or more areas along the upper surface 11 may have raised portions 111 that are closer to each other or have wider portions, while other areas along the upper surface 11 may have raised portions 111 that are farther apart to each other or have narrower portions. The raised portions 111 may allow for various orientations or placements of one or more accessory boxes on the top of the platform 10.

[0043] In addition, the upper surface 11 may include mounting elements, tracks, guides or rails for securing materials placed on the upper surface 11, and / or may include various functional and / or decorative markings or surface treatments, such as embossing, engraving, texturing (e.g., wood graining), engraving, printing, etc.

[0044] The platform halves 10L and 10R may include multiple reinforcing beams 19, such as Figure 3B , Figure 3D and Figure 3E As shown, for example, these reinforcing beams extend laterally from the inner edge 14 to the outer edge 15. The reinforcing beams 19 can be made, for example, of high-density polyethylene, other plastics, metals, or combinations thereof, and can provide sufficient rigidity and support for the platform halves 10L, 10R and the materials loaded on them. The cross-section of the reinforcing beams 19 can be circular, square, rectangular, I-beam, L-shaped, and / or tapered. The reinforcing beams 19 can be made from a single component or multiple components attached together.

[0045] The inner edges 14 of the platform halves 10L and 10R may include a meandering profile, which is identical for each platform half 10L and 10R and is configured such that each of the left platform half 10L and the right platform half 10R can be manufactured in the same shape at least initially and / or manufactured using a single mold, i.e., asymmetrical platform halves. That is, the right platform half 10R is rotated 180 degrees from the position of the left platform half 10L, such that the inner edges 14 of the platform halves 10L and 10R fit together without gaps to form the platform 10.

[0046] The inner edge 14 of the platform halves 10L and 10R may also include a hole 17 for receiving a protrusion 21 of the central support assembly 20, such as... Figures 4A to 5 As shown. Hole 17 can be countersunk on the lower surface 12 of platform halves 10L, 10R to receive the protrusion 21 of the center support assembly 20. Furthermore, fasteners or adhesives can be inserted into hole 17 to secure platform halves 10L, 10R to the center support assembly 20. Additionally, the engagement of the inner edges 14 of platform halves 10L, 10R can be configured to prevent water ingress and / or divert water away from drawer assembly 60 and direct water downwards toward the truck bed, and / or the geometry of the platform halves can be configured to receive / secure further ingress gaskets.

[0047] The outer edges 15 of the platform halves 10L and 10R can be processed to match the side wall profile of the truck bed on which the truck storage system 1 is to be installed. For example, the outer edges 15 of each platform half 10L and 10R can be cut, machined, laser-cut, waterjet-cut, or otherwise modified to precisely match the side wall profile of the truck bed, which varies between different truck manufacturers and models, and may also differ between the left and right sides of a single truck model.

[0048] Platform halves 10L and 10R may also include storage container openings 16 that mate with the front and rear storage containers 50. Fasteners and / or adhesives may be used to secure platform halves 10L and 10R to the front and rear storage containers 50. Between the storage containers 50 and platform halves 10L and 10R, there may be geometry for further water diversion, such as gaskets, nozzles, or borehole edges, to prevent water ingress.

[0049] Figures 4A to 5Various views of the center support assembly 20 of the truck storage system 1 according to the invention are shown. The center support assembly 20 may be made of high-density polyethylene, other plastics, metals, combinations thereof, and / or composite materials (e.g., those produced by pultrusion processes, such as combinations of resin and glass fiber). As previously mentioned, the center support assembly 20 may include protrusions 21 to mate with holes 17 on the lower surface 12 of the platform halves 10L, 10R. Furthermore, the center support assembly 20 may include an integral drawer wheel channel 22 for guiding wheels 23 and wheels 63 disposed on the drawer assembly 60 to facilitate sliding of the drawer assembly 60. Alternatively, the center support assembly 20 may include surfaces that slide adjacent to each other, such as plastic linear bearings, to allow sliding of the drawer assembly 60.

[0050] The integrated drawer wheel channel 22 may include at least one self-centering formation 27 configured to maintain the wheels 63, which roll within the integrated drawer wheel channel 22 and are mounted on the drawer assembly 60, in optimal positions, such as vertical and horizontal or lateral positions, to smoothly open / close the drawer assembly 60. Furthermore, as Figures 4A to 5 As shown, the central support assembly 20 may further include an arched member 25, reinforcing ribs, and weight-reducing holes 26 to reduce the weight of the central support assembly 20 while maintaining the strength of the truck storage system 1 to support the weight of materials placed thereon. Furthermore, as... Figures 11A to 11D As shown, in addition to the arched member 25, reinforcing ribs, and weight-reducing holes 26 of the central support assembly 20, the truck storage system 1 may also include side and / or front closures 70 and webbed walls to reduce the weight of the central support assembly 20 while maintaining the strength of the truck storage system 1 to support the weight of materials placed thereon, and to provide stability and prevent water from entering and / or diverting such water away from the drawer assembly 60.

[0051] The center support assembly 20 can be configured to rest on the load of the truck bed, such that there is no physical interconnection or attachment between the truck bed and the center support assembly 20. That is, the center support assembly 20 can simply rest on the truck bed due to gravity or the weight of any material placed on the platform 10. Therefore, the center support assembly 20 can be installed in the truck bed without structural modifications to the truck bed, such as drilling holes or bending / deforming it. Furthermore, the center support assembly 20 can be designed with a flat, wide bottom to effectively provide stability and support on uneven surfaces.

[0052] Figures 6A to 6D and Figures 7A to 7DVarious views of the support feet 30, 40 of the truck storage system according to the present invention are shown. The foot may be a driver-rear with axle and a passenger-front no axle, or the foot may be a driver-front no axle and a passenger-rear with axle.

[0053] A front support leg 30 can be configured to attach to platform halves 10L, 10R at each of the front driver's side corner and the front passenger's side corner of the truck storage system 1, and a rear support leg assembly 40 can be configured to attach to platform halves 10L, 10R at each of the rear driver's side corner and the rear passenger's side corner of the truck storage system 1, for example as... Figure 2 As shown. For example, the front support leg 30 and the rear support leg 40 may be made of high-density polyethylene, other plastics, metals, combinations thereof, and / or may include composite materials such as fiberglass. The front support leg 30 and the rear support leg 40 may include an upper surface 31 having holes 32 aligned with an upper surface for attachment between the platform 10 and the front support leg 30 and the rear support leg 40. For example, fasteners and / or adhesives may be inserted through the holes 32 to secure the platform 10 to the front support leg 30 and the rear support leg 40. The front support leg 30 and the rear support leg 40 may also include a lower surface 33 resting on the truck bed. The geometry of the lower surface 33 may be maximized, for example, in terms of size, geometry, and texture, to provide maximum stability with the truck bed surface.

[0054] Figures 8A to 8E Various views of a storage container 50 of a truck storage system according to the present invention are shown. Between the upper surface 41 and the lower surface 43, the storage container 50 may define a compartment 49 in which beverages, tools, fasteners or any other items may be placed.

[0055] Storage compartment 50 can be structurally separated from support legs 30, 40, such that they are spaced apart at least along the width of the vehicle cargo compartment. This provides the advantage that storage compartment 50 and support legs 30, 40 are each essentially independent units, allowing for simple and economical manufacture and use of each structure. Furthermore, each individual structure can be removed and replaced individually without adversely affecting other structures. For example, storage compartment 50 can be removed and replaced without affecting support legs 30, 40 that may currently be supporting platform 10.

[0056] Compartment 49 may be, or may contain, one or more storage boxes, barrels, and / or bags configured for storing items. The storage boxes, barrels, and / or bags are configured to fit within compartment 49, which is sized to receive the one or more storage boxes, barrels, and / or bags via loose fit, press fit, snap fit, and torsion fit connections. The storage boxes, barrels, and / or bags can be completely or partially removed from compartment 49. The storage boxes, barrels, and / or bags may be located within compartment 49 such that their upper portions extend across a horizontal area of ​​the platform. For example, the upper edges of the storage boxes, barrels, and / or bags may be configured such that they extend outward and / or hang on flanges of platform 10. The one or more storage boxes, barrels, and / or bags may be of the same size or of different sizes to facilitate the storage and removal of items of different sizes within the one or more storage boxes, barrels, and / or bags.

[0057] Compartment 49 may be fitted with one or more removable covers or lids 55, such as Figure 8A As shown in Figure 8F, the cover 55 is designed to waterproof items within compartment 49 when it is in the closed position. Specifically, when the cover 55 is closed, it can seal any gaps present, thereby waterproofing compartment 49. Additionally, the upper surface 41 may include drainage holes (not shown), such as front and rear drainage holes, to divert water or other substances from compartment 49 and guide them downwards toward the truck bed. The cover or lid 55 may be fully removable, or it may be movable and hinged, pivoting between a fully closed position and a fully open position.

[0058] Each compartment 49, such as a rear or front compartment, can have different dimensions. For example, a compartment 49 adjacent to a rear support leg 40 can be larger than a compartment 49 adjacent to a front support leg 30, thus allowing the compartment adjacent to the rear support leg 40 to have a larger storage area than the compartment adjacent to the front support leg 30. In an example embodiment, the rear storage container 50 may contain two storage boxes of different dimensions, such as a smaller and a larger size, while the front storage container 50 may contain one storage box. Each storage container 50 can be sealed with a lid 55 corresponding to the size and shape of the corresponding compartment 49. Thus, for example, the compartment lid 55 for the rear storage container 50 can be larger than the compartment lid 55 for the front storage container 50. The compartment 49 can be secured to the lid 55 by a locking member to prevent unauthorized access.

[0059] Figures 9A to 9FVarious views of a storage compartment lid / cover 55 of a truck storage system 1 according to the present invention are shown. For example, the lid 55 may be made of high-density polyethylene, other plastics, metal, or a combination thereof. The lid 55 may be configured to be tightly fitted into the opening 16 of the platform halves 10L, 10R, for example by friction fit or snap-fit, and to engage and / or substantially seal with the upper surfaces 41 of the front and rear storage compartments 50. Finger access lips 59 may be provided on the edges of the lid 55, and corresponding finger access recesses may be provided on the platform halves 10L, 10R to facilitate removal of the lid 55. The upper surface of the lid 55 may include various functional and / or decorative markings 51 or other surface treatments formed by, for example, embossing, engraving, texturing (e.g., wood graining), engraving, printing, etc. For example, the surface treatment of the upper surface of the lid 55 may provide traction to prevent material placed on the upper surface from slipping and / or sliding. The lower surface of the lid 55 may include a cup holder 52 and / or other areas 53 for placing a cup, tool, fastener or any other object when the lid 55 is removed from the opening 16 or when the lid 55 is placed upside down in the opening 16.

[0060] Furthermore, the front and rear storage compartments 50 may include generally spherical, hemispherical, or circular attachment points. Preferably, the attachment points of the front and rear storage compartments 50 can be secured to existing brackets, holes, or fastening points in the truck bed via a turnbuckle assembly 411. The turnbuckle assembly 411 may include hooks at both ends and a middle portion for tightening and pulling. One hook associated with the turnbuckle 411 can be positioned around a bracket. The turnbuckle assembly 411 can be configured to hook around the attachment point to secure the turnbuckle assembly 411 to existing brackets, holes, or fastening points at various locations on the truck bed. Therefore, the storage compartments 50 can be installed in the truck bed without structural modifications to the truck bed, such as drilling holes or bending / deforming the truck bed, because the turnbuckle assembly 411 can be attached to existing brackets, holes, or fastening points in the truck bed. In addition, additional brackets can be installed at existing holes or fastening points in the truck bed to facilitate securing the storage compartment 50 using the elastic screw fastener assembly 411. For example, the elastic screw fastener assembly 411 can be made of high-density polyethylene, other plastics, metals, or combinations thereof.

[0061] Each platform half 10L, 10R may include multiple firmware 211, such as... Figures 10A to 10DAs shown, these fasteners are spaced apart along the upper surface 11 of the platform and laterally span the upper surface 11 of the platform halves 10L, 10R from the adjacent rear support foot 30 to the front support foot 40. For example, each platform half 10L, 10R may include four fastening holes and a bottom support 213 extending along each side. Fasteners 211 may be equally spaced along the platform 10 to extend laterally from one end of the platform 10 to the other end. Fasteners 211 may include hooks, such as in the form of D-rings 215, which can be positioned above the surface of the platform 10 during use and can be used to anchor and / or secure cargo. When not in use, the D-rings 215 may be recessed into a pocket of the platform 10 to prevent attachments placed on the platform 10 from being hooked or accidentally jammed. The lower portion of the fastener 211 may be embedded within the platform 10.

[0062] The bracket 213 may be a welded steel bracket, which is fastened to the corresponding fastener 211 and bolted to the C-shaped channel to transfer the load to the truck bed. The bracket 213 can thus serve at least three independent and simultaneous functions: supporting the load from above, using, for example, a D-ring 215 as a securing anchor point for items placed on it, and assisting in attaching the platform 10 to the truck bed.

[0063] Furthermore, the front support foot 30 and the rear support foot 40 may include at least one guide channel surface, such as Figures 12A to 12C The guide channel 57 shown can rest on and / or be fixed to the at least one guide channel surface. For example, the guide channel 57 can be made of high-density polyethylene, other plastics, metal, or a combination thereof. The guide channel 57 can be attached to the front support leg 30 and the rear support leg 40 by fasteners and / or adhesives, and extends in the front-rear direction between the front support leg 30 and the rear support leg 40, which are located on the same side of the truck storage system 1, for example as... Figure 2 As shown. The guide channel 57 may include at least one self-centering forming structure 58 configured to hold the wheels 63, which roll within the guide channel 57 and are disposed on the drawer assembly 60, in optimal positions, such as a vertical position and a horizontal or lateral position, to smoothly open / close the drawer assembly 60, for example as... Figures 13A to 13F As shown.

[0064] The rear support foot assembly 40 may further include a wheel 46, which may be disposed in the lower rear portion of the rear support foot assembly 40. That is, for a rear support foot assembly 40 disposed in the rear driver's side corner of the truck storage system 1, the wheel is attached in one position, while for a rear support foot assembly 40 disposed in the rear passenger side corner of the truck storage system 1 (e.g., rotated 180 degrees from the rear driver's side corner position), the wheel 46 may be attached in a different position. The wheel 46 of the rear support foot assembly 40 cooperates with the wheel 23 of the center support assembly 20 to facilitate the sliding of the drawer assembly 60.

[0065] Figures 13A to 13F Various views of a drawer assembly 60 of a truck storage system 1 according to the present invention are shown. For example, the drawer assembly 60 may be made of high-density polyethylene, other plastics, metals, or combinations thereof. Each drawer assembly 60 may be rated to carry, for example, a payload of about 200 pounds.

[0066] Drawer assembly 60 may include drawer 61, integrated wheel channel 62, wheel 63, wheel bracket assembly 66, integrated handle 64, lock 65, and latch assembly 71. Drawer 61 may be configured to receive material therein and may include a notch or other shaped structure to laterally receive drawer divider 68 (e.g., ...). Figures 16A to 16D (As shown), and drawer 61 can receive pads along its inner bottom surface. Drawer divider 68 may include notches or other shaped structures 69 to allow for the placement of longer items inside drawer 61 when using divider 68, or to facilitate the use of ropes, lines, or other items to secure and / or fasten items inside drawer 61. Alternatively, drawer dividers may be provided that extend along the front-to-back direction of drawer 61. Drawer divider 68 may be made of plastic, steel, foam, or any other suitable combination and may clip below the drawer 61's guide rails.

[0067] Furthermore, the integrated handle 64 of drawer 61 can be initially molded into drawer 61, facilitating the opening, closing, and / or gripping of drawer assembly 60. Integrated handles can also be provided at opposite ends of drawer 61 for gripping drawer assembly 60, for example, when drawer assembly 60 is removed from truck storage system 1. Additionally, drawer 61 can be configured to allow multiple drawers 61 to be nested within each other for packing, transport, and / or storage through appropriate design, such as the side walls of drawer 61, integrated wheel channel 62, and integrated handle 64.

[0068] The integrated wheel channel 62 can receive the wheel 23 of the center support assembly 20 and the wheel 46 of the rear support foot assembly 40, and the wheel 63 can roll within the integrated drawer wheel channel 22 of the center support assembly 20 and within the guide channels 57 fixed to the front support foot 30 and the rear support foot 40 to facilitate the sliding of the drawer assembly 60. The integrated wheel channel 62 of the drawer assembly 60 may include at least one self-centering formation 62a, which is configured to hold the drawer assembly 60 in an optimal position, such as a vertical position and a horizontal or lateral position, to achieve smooth opening / closing. The integrated wheel channel 62 may terminate at a distance from the front end of the drawer 61, such that the end of the integrated wheel channel 62 acts as an integrated stop to prevent the drawer assembly 60 from opening further or falling out. If the user wishes to remove the drawer assembly 60, this can be achieved by removing the wheels 23, 46 and then removing the drawer assembly 60. The wheel 63 can be driven by a wheel bracket assembly 66 with an axle 67 (e.g., ...). Figures 15A to 15D (As shown) Attached to drawer 61. The wheel bracket assembly 66 can be a single, asymmetrical design that can be used for the two wheels 63 of drawer 61 by using one axle 67 in one mounting position and another axle 67 in another mounting position while one or the other axle 67 remains unused in each position and extends through the front end of drawer 61.

[0069] The sidewalls of drawer 61 may be inclined at an angle of up to 1 degree between the upper and lower surfaces of the drawer. In the example embodiment, the sidewalls of drawer 61 may be inclined at an angle of up to 1 degree. The angle of inclination is reduced. These reduced slopes result in increased drawer volume and allow substantially cubic accessory boxes to fit into and fully utilize the interior space of drawer 61. Furthermore, the reduced slope allows multiple accessory boxes to be stacked securely and modularly.

[0070] The front of drawer 61 may include, for example, a facade near the tailgate, which can prevent dust / water / debris from potentially entering drawer 61. Additionally, the top of drawer 61 may have a facade including a waterproof trim for further protection against entry.

[0071] When drawer 61 extends from the platform to a distance greater than the length of the accessory box, the lid of the accessory box can rotate upward from the closed position by at least 100 degrees while still remaining within the interior space of drawer 61. The lid can rotate upward on the side opposite the hinge side, thereby accessing the space inside the accessory box.

[0072] Drawer 61 may include metal supports such as L-shaped brackets or gussets, positioned approximately in the middle of drawer 61 (e.g., where wheel stops may be located on the bottom of drawer 61) and securely bolted to the bottom and side walls of drawer 61. These supports provide additional strength and reinforcement to drawer 61 without obstructing access due to its low profile design. These supports also allow drawer 61 to extend further outward from its storage position within the platform, providing improved access to a larger portion of its internal volume. When fully extended, drawer 61 can support a weight of 200 pounds. In an example embodiment, for a long truck bed (approximately 6.5 feet), a 72-inch drawer 61 can extend 56 inches beyond the platform. In a short truck bed (approximately 5.5 feet), a 62-inch drawer 61 can extend 46 inches beyond the platform. Furthermore, each side of drawer 61 may include lateral steel tubing that can be installed after molding to increase the strength of drawer 61.

[0073] Lock 65 allows drawer assembly 60 to be locked in the fully closed position. Lock 65 (as shown) Figures 14A to 14D The system (shown) may include a locking cam 65a that can rotate between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the locking cam 65a allows the drawer assembly 60 to be pulled out of the truck storage system 1. In the closed position, the locking cam 65a may engage with a structure on the lower surface 12 of the platform halves 10L, 10R to prevent the drawer assembly 60 from being pulled out. For example, the locking cam 65a may engage with a reinforcing beam 19 that at least partially protrudes from the lower surface 12 of the platform halves 10L, 10R, thus eliminating the need to mold any additional structural features in the platform halves 10L, 10R to provide the locking function. Alternatively, the locking cam 65a may engage with other structures on the lower surface 12 of the platform halves 10L, 10R.

[0074] All components of the truck storage system 1 can be manufactured in both long and short versions, corresponding to a long truck bed design of approximately 5.5–6.5 feet and a short truck bed design of approximately 4.5–5.5 feet, respectively. For example, components such as platform halves 10L and 10R, center support assembly 20, guide passage 57, drawer assembly 60, and trim pieces can be manufactured in both long and short versions. For these components, perhaps only one set of tools is needed, where the long and short versions can be manufactured by inserting / removing tool inserts. Therefore, long and short variants of the truck storage system 1 can be manufactured economically with a single set of tools. Furthermore, the asymmetry of many components in the truck storage system 1 (such as platform halves 10L and 10R, guide passage 47, and drawer assembly 60) further allows for the economical manufacture of the storage system 1.

[0075] Furthermore, all components of the truck storage system 1 can be designed to fit the cargo box designs of numerous truck manufacturers. For example, the truck storage system 1 can be designed to fit seventeen of the eighteen full-size pickup truck series sold in the United States since 2000. For example, the outer edges 15 of the platform halves 10L, 10R can be treated to fit any of the numerous cargo box designs. Additionally, the center support assembly 20 can be designed to rest securely within any of the numerous cargo box designs. In this respect, truck cargo boxes typically have uneven surfaces from the driver's side to the passenger side, for example, a series of alternating raised and recessed ribs. Therefore, the width of the lower surface of the center support assembly 20 can be designed to rest securely on the uneven surfaces of various designs in any of the numerous cargo box designs, for example, resting on one raised rib, or resting on two raised ribs and spanning a recessed rib. Similarly, the front support legs 30 and the rear support legs 40 can be designed to rest securely on the uneven surfaces of various designs in any of the numerous cargo box designs. In addition, the front support feet 30 and the rear support feet 40 can be designed to interface with any existing holes, brackets or fastening points in a wide variety of truck bed designs.

[0076] Furthermore, the bottom surface of drawer 61 can be designed with a notch, raised surface, and / or ramp, configured to provide clearance for a lowered tailgate. Various truck manufacturers' cargo box and tailgate designs offer different angles of inclination of the lowered tailgate relative to the plane of the truck cargo box floor, i.e., tailgate ramp angles, with the maximum value among the different angles being approximately 2.5 degrees. Therefore, to provide clearance for fully opening drawer assembly 60, a notch, raised surface, and / or ramp can be provided on the bottom surface of drawer 61, allowing a single drawer design to be used for any of numerous truck cargo box designs. Thus, a single design of truck storage system 1 can be used by owners of any of the numerous truck cargo box designs from numerous truck manufacturers. Additionally, the bottom surface of drawer 61 can include geometry (e.g., recesses or protrusions) to indicate optimal drainage locations. Drainage features can be formed by the user drilling holes through the drawer surface.

[0077] Therefore, if the owner has installed the truck storage system 1 in an old truck, but later sells the old truck and buys a new, different truck, the owner can simply remove the existing truck storage system 1 from the old truck, purchase only a new platform half 10L, 10R with an outer edge 15 that has been modified to fit the new truck, and use the new platform half 10L, 10R to reinstall all other components of the existing truck storage system 1 into the new truck.

[0078] For example, all components of the truck storage system 1 can be configured to nest together for packing, transport, and / or storage. As previously described, drawer assemblies 60 can nest together. Furthermore, components such as front support legs 30, rear support legs 40, storage compartment covers 55, locks 65, drawer dividers 68, latch assemblies 71, pallets, storage boxes 50, wheels, fasteners, brackets and / or adhesives, and any other small parts can be placed within the nested drawer assemblies 60. Remaining components such as platform halves 10L and 10R, center support assembly 20, guide passages 57, and any other large parts such as accessory boxes can be packed together with the nested drawer assemblies 60 or other components. Alternatively, platform halves 10L and 10R can be packed and / or transported separately from the remaining components.

[0079] For example, all components of the truck storage system 1 can be made of high-density polyethylene, other plastics, metals, or combinations thereof. Since the storage system 1 is to be installed in a truck bed that is typically exposed to the environment and may encounter heavy loads and rough use, the use of materials with high corrosion resistance may be advantageous. For example, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) can be particularly advantageous in providing high strength, low weight, and good corrosion resistance. Furthermore, HDPE (or other plastics, metals, etc.) can be treated / molded with compounds that prevent / limit degradation caused by UV exposure. Additionally, additives or surface treatments can be included to improve mechanical properties over a wider temperature range. Therefore, the storage system 1 can have a long service life and can be rated to carry heavy loads suitable for the truck bed itself without adding excessive weight that could adversely affect vehicle performance.

[0080] The long version of the truck storage system 1 corresponds to a truck bed design of approximately 6.5 feet, while the short version corresponds to a truck bed design of approximately 5.5 feet. Furthermore, the truck storage system 1 can support a load of approximately 2000 pounds on its platform 10.

[0081] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples and exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the foregoing description is by no means limiting. Furthermore, the features described herein can be used in any combination.

Claims

1. A truck storage system, comprising: The platform is configured to essentially span the total width of the truck bed; Four support legs, each located at a corresponding corner of the truck bed and configured to support the platform; A central support member extends between the support legs along the longitudinal direction of the truck bed and is configured to support the platform; At least one drawer assembly is located between the front support leg and the rear support leg of the four support legs on the first side and the center support member on the second side, the drawer assembly being configured to slide in the longitudinal direction of the truck bed; as well as At least one storage compartment is located between the at least one drawer assembly and one side of the truck bed, wherein the at least one storage compartment is structurally separable from the support legs.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one storage compartment is at least substantially waterproof.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one storage compartment comprises at least two storage compartments, wherein the first of the two storage compartments is located adjacent to the rear support leg, and the second of the two storage compartments is located adjacent to the front support leg on a first side of the platform.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one storage compartment is completely removable.

5. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one storage cover for covering the at least one storage compartment, wherein the length of the at least one storage cover is approximately twice the length of the corresponding storage compartment.

6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: At least two fastening attachment members, each fastening attachment member being located between the at least one drawer assembly and one side of the truck bed.

7. The system according to claim 6, further comprising: At least two brackets, each bracket connecting a corresponding fastening attachment member to a passageway extending longitudinally along the truck bed. Each of the brackets is configured to support a load on the platform, anchor cargo in place, and attach the storage system to the truck bed.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the storage system is attached to the truck bed via a snap-lock mechanism.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein each of the at least two tethering attachment members includes an attachment ring configured to fold downward into a cavity of the platform and rotate upward.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one drawer assembly comprises at least two drawer assemblies, the at least two drawer assemblies being nestable for packing, transporting and / or storing.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one drawer assembly has a sidewall inclined at an angle of at most 1 degree.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one drawer assembly is configured to extend outward beyond the platform by at least 75% of the length of the at least one drawer assembly.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the platform has a raised pattern configured to engage with a recessed pattern on the bottom surface of at least one accessory box, thereby creating a positive-fit connection between the platform and the at least one accessory box.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the raised pattern covers a large area of ​​the upper surface of the platform.

15. The system of claim 13, further comprising: At least two fastening attachment members, each fastening attachment member being located between the at least one drawer assembly and one side of the truck bed, wherein the area between the at least two fastening attachment members does not include the raised pattern.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the platform comprises two platform halves configured to intersect each other above the central support.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the front support foot and the rear support foot are of different sizes.

18. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one closure member is configured to provide stability to the platform and prevent water from entering the at least one drawer assembly.

19. A truck storage system, comprising: The platform is configured to essentially span the total width of the truck bed; Four support legs, each located at a corresponding corner of the truck bed and configured to support the platform; A central support member extends between the support legs along the longitudinal direction of the truck bed and is configured to support the platform; At least one drawer assembly located between the front and rear support feet on one side and the central support on the other side (b), the drawer assembly being configured to slide in the longitudinal direction of the truck bed; as well as At least one storage compartment is located between the at least one drawer assembly and one side of the truck bed, wherein the at least one storage compartment is located adjacent to a corresponding rear support leg.

20. A truck storage system, comprising: The platform is configured to essentially span the total width of the truck bed; Four support legs, each located at a corresponding corner of the truck bed and configured to support the platform; A central support member extends between the support legs along the longitudinal direction of the truck bed and is configured to support the platform; At least one drawer assembly is located between a) a front support foot and a rear support foot on one side and b) a center support on the other side, said drawer assembly being configured to slide in the longitudinal direction of the truck bed; At least one storage compartment is located between the at least one drawer assembly and one side of the truck bed, wherein the at least one storage compartment is structurally separable from the support legs; At least one fastening attachment member is located between the at least one drawer assembly and one side of the truck bed; as well as At least one bracket, wherein the at least one bracket connects the fastening attachment member to a passage extending along the longitudinal direction of the truck bed.

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