Vehicle cargo bed extension device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle loading platform extension device that is disposed on a vehicle such as a van, a wagon, or a RV vehicle including a back door, is configured to extend a loading platform, and can surely fix the back door to a vehicle body.SOLUTION: A vehicle loading platform extension device 1 for extending a loading platform 102 of a vehicle 100 provided with a back door 101 includes: an extension part frame 2 made of square pipe materials forming a frame of the extension part; an extension part plate 3 stuck on the extension part frame 2 and formed in a plate shape and constitute an extension loading platform disposed continuously to a smooth surface of the loading platform 102; and a connection member disposed at a required position of the extension part frame 2 in a protruding manner to be fit to a back door catcher 103 of the vehicle 100 or to a vehicle body side back door striker 105 or to both thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle loading platform extension device disposed on a vehicle having a back door such as a one-box vehicle, a wagon vehicle, an RV vehicle, etc. Specifically, it relates to a vehicle loading platform extension device that extends the loading platform at the rear of the vehicle and can be connected to the vehicle with required strength.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, it has become popular to use automobiles when having meals outdoors and staying overnight as outdoor leisure activities. Conventionally, tables used for such outdoor meals and tents used for accommodation were generally loaded on the loading platform of the automobile and taken out, assembled, and set up on site.

[0003] However, the work of unloading goods such as tables and tents on site and assembling and setting them up respectively was very complicated. In response to these problems, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle rear gate bed that is attached to the rear end of the vehicle, can be folded and stored when not in use, and can be easily formed into a usable state behind the vehicle body when needed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the vehicle rear gate bed described in Patent Document 1 has problems that when used as a bed, the rear gate is used in an open state, so the vision from the outside cannot be blocked at bedtime, and there is a risk of being bitten by pests or the like from the outside.

[0006] Furthermore, when loading cargo longer than the cargo space into a vehicle with a conventional tailgate, and the tailgate could not be completely closed, there was a problem of having to drive in an unstable state, with the tailgate tied to the vehicle body at the required opening angle using ropes or other means.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its specific objective is to provide a vehicle cargo bed extension device that can be installed on a vehicle having a back door, such as a minivan, wagon, or RV, to extend the cargo bed, and that can securely fix the back door to the vehicle body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention was devised to achieve the above-mentioned objectives. More specifically, the present invention relates to a vehicle cargo bed extension device for extending the cargo bed of a vehicle equipped with a back door, and includes an extension frame made of square pipe material that constitutes the framework of the extension; a flat extension plate that is attached to the extension frame and connects to the smooth surface of the cargo bed to form an extended cargo bed; and a connecting member that protrudes from the extension frame at a required position and engages with the vehicle's back door catcher or the vehicle body side back door striker, or both.

[0009] The vehicle cargo bed extension device of the present invention has the effect of easily securing the required mounting strength by using the genuine standard equipment back door lock device, the back door catcher, or the vehicle body side back door striker to connect and fix it when in use.

[0010] The present invention includes a configuration in which the extension frame is arranged in a row with hinges so as to be able to open and close at a required position near the rear end opening of the cargo bed, and the striker, which is a connecting member, is provided protruding at a required position near the rear end of the extension frame and approximately in the center in the vehicle width direction, and engages with the back door catcher, thereby connecting and fixing the vehicle body, the vehicle cargo bed extension device, and the back door with the required strength.

[0011] The vehicle cargo bed extension device of the present invention allows for the loading of cargo longer than the original cargo bed length and driving simply by opening the back door, tilting the vehicle cargo bed extension devices, which are arranged in a row at the rear end opening of the cargo bed, backward to extend the cargo bed, and then closing the back door.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention includes a configuration in which the extension frame is hinged or pivotally attached to a required position on the inner side of the back door so as to be able to open and close, and the catcher, which is the connecting member, is provided protruding from the lower side of the front end of the extension frame at a required position near the approximate center in the vehicle width direction, and engages with the vehicle body side back door striker, thereby connecting and fixing the vehicle body, the vehicle cargo bed extension device, and the back door with the required strength.

[0013] The vehicle cargo bed extension device of the present invention is attached to the back door, and when the vehicle cargo bed extension device is in the retracted state, loading and unloading of cargo is possible simply by opening the back door, just like a normal vehicle. At the same time, in order to secure sleeping space when sleeping, the cargo bed can be extended simply by opening the back door, tilting the extension frame attached to the back door forward, and engaging it with the back door striker.

[0014] Furthermore, the vehicle cargo bed extension device of the present invention includes a configuration in which the connecting members are a first connecting member, which is a catcher, protruding from the lower front end of the extension frame at a required position near the approximate center in the vehicle width direction, and a second connecting member, which is a striker, protruding from the rear end of the extension frame at a required position near the approximate center in the vehicle width direction, wherein the first connecting member fits with the vehicle body side back door striker, and the second connecting member fits with the back door catcher, thereby enabling the vehicle cargo bed extension device to be attached to and detached from the vehicle.

[0015] The vehicle cargo bed extension device of the present invention can be installed on the vehicle without any special modifications, and at the same time, it can be stored inside the vehicle when not in use, making it very easy to handle.

[0016] The present invention includes an extension frame comprising a first extension frame hinged to a required position near the rear end opening of the cargo bed so as to be openable and closable, and a second extension frame hinged to the rear end of the first extension frame so as to be openable and closable, and an extension plate attached to the first extension frame and connected to the smooth surface of the cargo bed to constitute an extended cargo bed, and a striker, which is a connecting member, protruding from a required position near the rear end of the second extension frame and approximately in the center in the vehicle width direction, and fitting with the back door catcher, thereby connecting and fixing the vehicle body, the vehicle cargo bed extension device and the back door with the required strength.

[0017] The extension frame of the present invention has a configuration comprising a first extension frame for extending the cargo bed and a second extension frame for connecting the first extension frame and the back door with the required strength, thereby enabling the cargo bed extension range to be expanded to the state where the back door is fully open.

[0018] The present invention includes a configuration in which, when the vehicle cargo bed extension device is positioned in the gap between the cargo bed and the back door, a tent is provided that can be stretched to cover both sides of the vehicle cargo bed extension device, the rear surface of the vehicle cargo bed extension device, and the opening of the vehicle.

[0019] The vehicle cargo bed extension device of the present invention has a tent with the above-described configuration, and therefore provides the effect of blocking external visibility while sleeping and preventing the entry of pests and other harmful objects. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] The vehicle cargo bed extension device of the present invention is a device for extending the cargo bed that can be easily installed on vehicles with a back door, such as minivans, station wagons, and RVs. By fixing the back door and the vehicle body with the required strength, it is possible to carry cargo longer than the length of the standard cargo bed and drive with it. At the same time, by closing the back door to the required position and using the locking device, and by having a tent, not only are there security benefits, but also windproof and waterproof effects and improved weather resistance can be expected. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a state in which a loading platform extension device for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention is used. [Figure 2] It is a schematic view showing a state in which the loading platform extension device for a vehicle shown in FIG. 1 is stored in the vehicle and the back door is opened. [Figure 3] It is a partially enlarged view showing a fitting state between a striker of the loading platform extension device for a vehicle shown in FIG. 1 and a back door catcher. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing a state in which a tent is stretched on the loading platform extension device for a vehicle shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a schematic view showing a state in which a loading platform extension device for a vehicle according to a fifth embodiment is used. [Figure 6] It is a schematic view showing a state in which the loading platform extension device for a vehicle in FIG. 5 is stored in the vehicle and the back door is opened. [Figure 7] It is a schematic view showing a state in which a loading platform extension device for a vehicle according to a second embodiment is attached to a back door. [Figure 8] It is (a) a bottom view and (b) a plan view showing a state in which a loading platform extension device for a vehicle according to a third embodiment is removed. [Figure 9] It is a schematic view showing a state in which a folding table is installed. [Figure 10] It is a schematic view showing a state in which a folding table is magnetically attached to a back door. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view showing a use state of a loading platform extension device for a vehicle according to a fourth embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings are schematically illustrated and do not necessarily match the actual dimensions, ratios, etc. Also, there may be parts where the dimensional relationships and ratios between the drawings are different from each other. In this embodiment, the vertical, longitudinal, and vehicle width directions of the vehicle are also referred to as the vertical, longitudinal, and vehicle width directions, respectively, based on the state in which the vehicle cargo bed extension device is installed on the vehicle.

[0023] [First Embodiment] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, this embodiment is a vehicle cargo bed extension device 1 for installation on a so-called hatchback vehicle 100 having a lift-up type back door 101.

[0024] It is formed by an extension frame 2 that constitutes the framework of the portion that extends the cargo bed 102, a flat extension plate 3 that is attached to the upper surface of the extension frame 2 and connected to the smooth surface of the cargo bed 102 and constitutes the extended cargo bed, and a striker 4 that is provided at a required position near the rear end of the extension frame 2 and approximately in the center in the vehicle width direction and fits into the back door catcher 103.

[0025] Furthermore, the extension frame 2 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape in plan view, with each side of the rectangle made of metal square pipe material, and is hinged to a required position near the rear end opening of the cargo bed 102 so as to be able to open and close. Specifically, the hinge 5 is attached to the L-shaped angle 6, the L-shaped angle 6 is fixed to the hatchback vehicle 100, and then the hinge 5 and the extension frame 2 are connected and fixed. When attaching the L-shaped angle 6 to the hatchback vehicle 100, the standard screw holes (not shown) can be used, or a nut insert (not shown) can be used to form a threaded portion and then attached with a bolt or the like.

[0026] Figure 1 shows the vehicle cargo bed extension device 1 in use. To put it in use, first open the back door 101 to reach the state shown in Figure 2. Next, remove the stopper 7, which is made of an elastic material such as a rubber cord, and tilt and spread the vehicle cargo bed extension device 1 toward the rear of the vehicle, engaging it with the back door catcher 103 and striker 4 as shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, to store the vehicle cargo bed extension device 1, pull the back door handle 104 to release the lock, and then store it by reversing the above procedure.

[0027] Figure 4 shows the vehicle cargo bed extension device 1 in the state described above for use, with the tent 8 covering both sides of the vehicle cargo bed extension device 1 and the opening of the hatchback vehicle 100, and is secured in the required positions with fasteners (not shown) such as magnetic sheets, hooks, snap buttons, and hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0028] [Second Embodiment] Figure 7 shows an embodiment in which the vehicle cargo bed extension device 1 is attached to a required position on the inner side of the back door 101, and the extension frame 2 is pivotally attached to the inner side of the back door 101 with bearings 8 so as to be able to open and close.

[0029] Furthermore, the catcher 9 is positioned on the lower front end of the extension frame 2, near the approximate center in the vehicle width direction, and engages with the vehicle body-side back door striker 105, thereby connecting and fixing the vehicle body of the hatchback vehicle 100, the vehicle cargo bed extension device 1, and the back door 101 with the required strength. In addition, to attach and hold the vehicle cargo bed extension device 1 at a required position on the inner side of the back door 101, for example, magnets (not shown), which are magnetic materials, can be attached to two corners of the extension frame 2 that are not pivotally attached, and the device can be magnetically attached to the back door 101 in a detachable manner.

[0030] [Third Embodiment] Figure 8 shows an embodiment in which the vehicle cargo bed extension device 1 is detachable from the hatchback vehicle 100, and (a) a bottom view and (b) a top view showing the vehicle cargo bed extension device 1 removed from the hatchback vehicle 100.

[0031] The extension frame 2 of this embodiment is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, with each side of the rectangle made of metal square pipe material, and consists of a flat extension plate 3 attached to the upper surface of the extension frame 2, a first connecting member, a catcher 9, which is provided protruding from the lower front end of the extension frame 2 at a required position near the approximate center in the vehicle width direction, a second connecting member, a striker 4, which is provided protruding from the rear end of the extension frame 2 at a required position near the approximate center in the vehicle width direction, and a lock release handle 10 for releasing the catcher 9, which is attached at a position facing the catcher 9.

[0032] Furthermore, the catcher 9 engages with the vehicle-side back door striker 105, and the striker 4 engages with the back door catcher 103. This allows the vehicle cargo bed extension device 1 to be easily attached to and detached from the hatchback vehicle 100 using the rear door lock mechanism that is standard equipment on the hatchback vehicle 100, and when not in use, it can be removed and loaded onto the cargo bed 102.

[0033] [Fourth Embodiment] Figure 11 shows an embodiment in which a vehicle cargo bed extension device 1, which includes a first extension frame 2A and a second extension frame 2B, is attached to a hatchback vehicle 100, and is an embodiment for extending the cargo bed 102 to a wider area, for example, at a campsite.

[0034] The vehicle cargo bed extension device 1 of this embodiment has a first extension frame 2A formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, with each side of the rectangle made of metal square pipe material, and arranged in a row with hinges 5 so as to be openable and closable at a required position near the rear end opening of the cargo bed 102, similar to the first embodiment. Furthermore, it has a second extension frame 2B that is hinged 5 so as to be openable and closable at the rear end of the first extension frame 2A, and an extension plate 3 attached to the first extension frame 2A and a striker 4 protruding at a required position near the rear end of the second extension frame 2B, approximately in the center in the vehicle width direction, and fitting with the back door catcher 103, thereby connecting and fixing the vehicle body of the hatchback vehicle 100, the vehicle cargo bed extension device 1 and the back door 101 with the required strength.

[0035] Figures 9 and 10 show a table 11 for use inside a vehicle, such as at a campsite, which is formed of a rectangular table body 18 in plan view, a shaft portion 13 protruding in the vehicle width direction near the upper edge of the table body 18, a bearing portion 12 for pivotally attaching to a required position on the inner side of the back door 101 so as to be openable and closable, and a magnet 14 for magnetically fixing the table 11.

[0036] Furthermore, Figure 9 shows the table 11 in the installed state, with left and right L-shaped angles 17 attached to the left and right side walls of the interior of the hatchback car 100 in a direction along the front-to-back direction, and a table fixing bar 16 made of a rectangular prism metal rod spanning between the left and right L-shaped angles 17, and the table fixing bar 16 magnetically attached to the upper surface of the table fixing bar 16 by a magnet 14 attached to the lower surface near the front end of the table body 18. Furthermore, to return to the stored state shown in Figure 10, the table fixing bar 16 can be removed and the magnet 14 magnetically attached to the inner side of the back door 101.

[0037] [Fifth Embodiment] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, this embodiment is a vehicle cargo bed extension device 1 for installation on a vehicle 200 with a side-opening back door 101.

[0038] It is formed from an extension frame 21 that constitutes the framework of the portion that extends the cargo bed 102, a flat extension plate 31 that is attached to the upper surface of the extension frame 21 and connected to the smooth surface of the cargo bed 102 and constitutes the extended cargo bed, a striker bracket 22 that is erected from near the rear end of the extension frame 21, and a striker 41 that is attached to the inside of the striker bracket 22 and fits into the back door catcher 123.

[0039] Furthermore, the extension frame 21 is formed in a roughly triangular shape in plan view, matching the opening angle of the back door 121. Each side of the triangular shape is made of metal square pipe material, and it is arranged in a row with hinges 5 at a required position near the rear end opening of the cargo bed 102 so as to be openable and closable, similar to the first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5 shows the state in which the vehicle cargo bed extension device 1 is in use. To put it in use, first open the back door 121 to reach the state shown in Figure 6, then tilt and spread the vehicle cargo bed extension device 1 toward the rear of the vehicle and engage it with the back door catcher 123 and striker 41. [Examples]

[0041] The following describes embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within the scope of the gist of the invention.

[0042] In this embodiment, the vehicle cargo bed extension device 1 of Embodiment 1 described above was installed on a one-box type hatchback vehicle of a light vehicle. Specifically, the extension plate 3 was constructed using ordinary plywood with outer dimensions of 300 mm (vehicle front-rear direction) x 1300 mm (vehicle width direction).

[0043] In this embodiment, it was confirmed that a standard size of plywood or veneer board, 910mm x 1820mm, could be loaded with two people in the vehicle, and that actual driving was possible. Furthermore, by effectively utilizing the locking mechanism of the back door 101 and covering it with the tent 8 described above, it was possible to prevent entry by third parties or animals from the outside. It was also confirmed that, even with the size of a kei car, for example, when the sleeping direction is aligned with the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, there is enough space for two adults of average build to sleep side by side in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0044] In this embodiment and the embodiment, the extension frame and striker bracket are made of steel square pipe material, the extension plate and table part are made of ordinary plywood, and the tent is made using synthetic fibers made of polyester material.

[0045] As described above, the best configuration, method, etc., for carrying out the present invention are disclosed in the above description, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the embodiment described above, the extension frame and striker bracket were formed from steel square pipe material, but this does not limit the material or shape, and aluminum alloy, stainless steel, carbon steel, or synthetic resin such as engineering plastic may also be used. Furthermore, the shape is not limited to square pipe material, and may be formed from cylindrical pipe material with the required strength, L-shaped angle material, metal plate material, etc.

[0046] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the tent was formed using synthetic fibers made of polyester material, but this is not limited to materials, and it may also be formed using synthetic fibers made of nylon material or cotton material.

[0047] Furthermore, although the tent was described in the first embodiment as an example in the embodiments described above, the tent can also be erected in the second to fifth embodiments in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0048] In the embodiments described above, a detachable vehicle cargo bed extension device was explained using a hatchback vehicle as an example, but it is not limited to hatchback vehicles and can also be installed on vehicles with side-opening tailgates.

[0049] As described above, a person skilled in the art can make various modifications to the embodiments described above in terms of shape, material, quantity, intended use, position or arrangement, etc., without departing from the scope of the technical idea and objectives of the present invention. Therefore, the descriptions of shapes and other limitations already disclosed are illustrative examples provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. Consequently, descriptions of component names that remove some or all of these shape and other limitations are included in the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1. Vehicle cargo bed extension device 2.21 Extension frame 2A First extension frame 2B Second extension frame 3.31 Extension Plate 4 Striker 5. Hinge 6.17 L-shaped angle 7 Stopper 8 tents 9 Catcher 10. Unlocking handle 11 Tables 12 Bearing section 13. Shaft 14 Magnets 16 Table fixing bars 22 Striker Bracket 100 Hatchback Car 101,121 Backdoor 102 Cargo bed 103,123 Backdoor Catcher 104 Back door handle 105 Vehicle-side back door striker 200 Side-opening rear door vehicle

Claims

1. A vehicle cargo bed extension device for extending the cargo bed of a vehicle equipped with a back door, comprising: an extension frame constituting the skeleton of the extension; an extension plate attached to the extension frame and connected to the smooth surface of the cargo bed to constitute an extended cargo bed; and a connecting member protruding from a required position on the lower front end of the extension frame and fitting with a vehicle-side back door striker provided on the vehicle, thereby connecting and fixing the vehicle body, the vehicle cargo bed extension device, and the back door with required strength, wherein the extension frame is attached to a required position on the inner side of the back door so as to be openable and closable.

2. A vehicle cargo bed extension device for extending the cargo bed of a vehicle equipped with a back door, comprising: an extension frame constituting the skeleton of the extension; an extension plate constituting an extended cargo bed attached to the extension frame and connected to the smooth surface of the cargo bed; and connecting members, a first connecting member protruding from a required position on the lower front end of the extension frame and a second connecting member protruding from a required position on the rear end of the extension frame, wherein the first connecting member fits with the vehicle body side back door striker provided on the vehicle, and the second connecting member fits with the back door catcher provided on the vehicle, thereby enabling the vehicle cargo bed extension device to be attached to and detached from the vehicle.

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