Tailgate bed extender system

Abstract

A tailgate bed extender system comprising a tailgate bed extender having a wall portion, between the two opposing sidewalls of a vehicle bed, and a top portion. The wall portion defines a storage space and the top portion extends across the wall portion and covers the storage space.

Description

TAILGATE BED EXTENDER SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 546,416, filed October 30, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a tailgate bed extender system providing at least partial coverage for a storage space.BACKGROUND

[0003] Bed extenders provide additional space within truck beds by utilization of the surface of a dropped tailgate. Bed extenders provide a barrier to contain cargo at the end of the truck bed where the tailgate would otherwise have functioned as the same. Truck bed space has been a concern in some truck models that are comparatively smaller than some of their counterparts, although increased truck bed space may find benefit in any truck.

[0004] One challenge with conventional bed extenders is the lack of protection they provide against access / theft and the elements. For example, the area of extension is typically beyond the coverage area of tonneau covers that are adapted for covering and / or protecting pickup truck beds. Typically, bed extenders are provided with an open frame configuration that can prevent cargo from sliding axially out of the bed, but provide little to no protection of the cargo.

[0005] There is a need for a bed extender and cover thereof that protects from access / theft and the elements.SUMMARY

[0006] The present teachings provide for a tailgate bed extender system, which may address at least some of the needs identified above.

[0007] The tailgate bed extender system may be used with a vehicle having a bed including two opposing sidewalls. The tailgate bed extender system may extend between the two opposing sidewalls. The tailgate bed extender system may be deployed over a surface of a tailgate when the tailgate is in an open position.

[0008] Tire tailgate bed extender may comprise at least one wall portion extending between tire two opposing sidewalls and oriented generally vertically. Hie at least one wall portion may define a storage space.

[0009] The tailgate bed extender may comprise a cover. The cover may comprise at least one side segment that extends across the at least one wall portion and / or at least one top segment that extends from the at least one wall portion over the storage space.

[0010] The at least one top segment may be fastenable to the at least one side segment, along a first edge of the at least one top segment and a first edge of the at least one side segment, by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, latches, magnets, or any combination thereof.

[0011] Tire cover may further comprise at least one bottom segment that extends from the at least one wall portion under the storage space. Hie at least one bottom segment may be fastenable to the at least one side segment, along a first edge of the at least one bottom segment and a second edge of the at least one side segment, by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, latches, magnets, or any combination thereof.

[0012] The at least one top segment may include a flap extending from or proximate to a second edge thereof that is fastenable to a tonneau cover or a cross-rail extending between the two opposing sidewalls of the bed by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, latches, magnets, or any combination thereof.

[0013] The at least one side segment may include a flap that folds over the at least one top segment; or the at least one top segment may include a flap that folds over the at least one side segment. Tire flap may be fastenable to the at least one side segment or the at least one top segment by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or any combination thereof.

[0014] The at least one side segment may be fastenable to the at least one wall portion by ties, snaps, hook- and-loop fasteners, magnets, or any combination thereof.

[0015] The cover may be fabricated from a flexible material. The flexible material may include vinyl.

[0016] The cover may be fabricated from a semi-rigid material. The semi-rigid material may include a layered arrangement of a first layer comprised of a structural polymer, a second layer comprised of a fabric, and a third layer comprised of foam and located between the first and second layers. The structural polymer may be a thermoplastic polyolefin. The fabric may be a non-woven fabric. The foam may be a polypropylene foam.

[0017] The at least one side segment and the at least one top segment may be monolithic with each other. The at least one side segment and the at least one top segment may be pivotal relative to each other.

[0018] Tire at least one bottom segment may be monolithic with the at least one side segment. The at least one bottom segment and the at least one side segment may be pivotal relative to each other.

[0019] The at least one wall portion may include a first end located adjacent to one of the two opposing sidewalls and a second end located adjacent to the other of the two opposing sidewalls.

[0020] The at least one wall portion may include a plurality of wall portions located in different vertical planes. The plurality of wall portions may transition from one another via an angle, curvature, or both.

[0021] The at least one wall portion may comprise one or more tubular members, more preferably two or more tubular members, or even more preferably three or more tubular members aligned generally vertically and having spaces therebetween. The at least one wall portion may further comprise at least one strut connecting the one or more tubular members.

[0022] As described below, the present teachings describe a tailgate bed extender and cover that are integrated together. That is, materials used to fabricate a cover, particularly at least semi-rigid materials, may form the structure of the tailgate bed extender, in lieu of one or more frame members, such as tubular members and struts.

[0023] The present teachings provide for a tailgate bed extender, which may address at least some of the needs identified above.

[0024] Tire tailgate bed extender may be used with a vehicle having a bed including two opposing side walls.

[0025] The tailgate bed extender system may comprise at least one wall portion extending between the two opposing sidewalls and oriented generally vertically, the at least one wall portion defining a storage space and / or at least one top segment that extends from the at least one wall portion over the storage space.

[0026] Tire at least one top segment may be fastenable to the at least one wall portion, along a first edge of the at least one top segment and a first edge of the at least one wall portion, by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, latches, magnets, or any combination thereof.

[0027] The tailgate bed extender may further comprise at least one bottom segment that extends from the at least one wall portion under the storage space. The at least one bottom segment may be fastenable to the at least one wall portion, along a first edge of the at least one bottom segment and a second edge of the at least one wall portion, by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, latches, magnets, or any combination thereof.

[0028] The at least one top segment may include a flap extending from or proximate to a second edge thereof that may be fastenable to a tonneau cover or a cross-rail extending between the two opposing sidewalls of the bed by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, latches, magnets, or any combination thereof.

[0029] Tire at least one wall portion may include a flap that folds over the at least one top segment; or the at least one top segment may include a flap that folds over the at least one wall portion. The flap may be fastenable to the at least one wall portion or the at least one top segment by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or any combination thereof.

[0030] The at least one wall portion, the at least one top segment, and / or the at least one bottom segment may be fabricated from a semi-rigid material. Hie semi-rigid material may include a layered arrangement of: a first layer comprised of a structural polymer, a second layer comprised of a fabric, and a third layer comprised of foam and located between the first and second layers. The structural polymer may be a thermoplastic polyolefin. The fabric may be a non-woven fabric. The foam may be a polypropylene foam.

[0031] The at least one wall portion may include a first end located adjacent to one of the two opposing sidewalls and a second end located adjacent to the other of the two opposing sidewalls.

[0032] The at least one wall portion may include a plurality of wall portions located in different vertical planes. The plurality of wall portions may transition from one another via an angle, curvature, or both.

[0033] The at least one wall portion and the at least one top segment may be monolithic with each other. The at least one side segment and the at least one top segment may be pivotal relative to each other.

[0034] Tire at least one bottom segment may be monolithic with the at least one side segment. The at least on bottom segment and the at least one side segment may be pivotal relative to each other.

[0035] The present teachings provide for a pickup truck bed comprising the tailgate bed extender system or the tailgate bed extender described above, which may address at least some of the needs identified above. The pickup truck may comprise a tailgate, which, in an open configuration, supports the tailgate bed extender system. The tailgate bed extender system may be rotatable relative to the pickup truck bed.BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a tailgate bed extender.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a tailgate bed extender.

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates a tailgate bed extender system according to the present teachings.

[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a tailgate bed extender system according to the present teachings.DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present teachings provide for a tailgate bed extender system. The tailgate bed extender system may protect cargo within the bed extender. Tire tailgate bed extender system described herein may comprise a bed extender and a cover that protects cargo within the bed extender. The tailgate bed extender system described herein may comprise a bed extender that is adapted for, itself, protecting cargo within the bed extender.

[0041] The tailgate bed extender system described herein may be used with a vehicle having a bed (e g., a pickup truck). The bed may comprise a front wall (e g., adjacent to a cab), a tailgate opposing the front wall, and two opposing sidewalls extending between the front wall and the tailgate.

[0042] The bed extender described herein may be supported by tire tailgate in an open configuration. That is, the tailgate may be hingedly lowered from a generally vertical closed configuration to a generally horizontal open configuration. In this regard, the tailgate may provide additional space (e.g., length) to the bed.

[0043] While, typically, vehicle owners install tonneau covers over the bed to protect cargo within the bed from theft and / or the elements, said additional space provided by the bed extender is located beyond the protection of the tonneau cover. Not only can the storage space of the bed extender be exposed, the bed, under the tonneau cover, can be exposed by virtue of the lowered tailgate. Thus, the tailgate bed extender system described herein may address this challenge.

[0044] The tailgate bed extender system may extend between the two opposing sidewalls of the bed. The tailgate bed extender system may comprise a first end located adjacent to one of the two opposing sidewalls and a second end located adjacent to the other of the two opposing sidewalls. The tailgate bed extender system may fasten to the bed at or adjacent to tire first and second ends.

[0045] The tailgate bed extender system may rigidly fasten to the bed. One or more bolts, screws, pins, may extend through the system and into the two opposing sidewalls of the bed. The tailgate bed extender system may comprise pins or other suitable complementary structure to engage with tailgate striker latches located on the inner surfaces of the sidewalls of the bed.

[0046] Tire tailgate bed extender system may be rotatable relative to the pickup truck bed. The system can be selectively located in a first position within the bed and a second position upon the opened tailgate. In this regard, the tailgate can be closed while the system remains installed on tire vehicle. Moreover, in the first position, the system may define a storage space within the bed, between the system and the tailgate, which can be separated from the rest of the bed. The system may comprise adapters fastenable to the two opposing sidewalls of the bed. Tire system may comprise pins engaged with the system that rotatably engage the adapters. The pins may be separable from the adapters.

[0047] The terms “top’’ and “bottom,” referred to herein may be understood in tire context of the above. That is, the “top” in the first position may be the “bottom” in the second position.

[0048] The tailgate bed extender system may comprise at least one wall portion extending between the two opposing side walls and oriented generally vertically relative to the floor of the cargo area, the at least one wall portion defining a storage space. The at least one wall portion may form a barrier by which cargo may be prevented from shifting from the storage space.

[0049] The at least one wall portion may generally extend from one sidewall of the bed in a direction generally toward the reannost edge of the tailgate and back in an opposing direction toward the other sidewall of the bed.

[0050] The at least one wall portion may include a plurality of wall portions located in different vertical planes. That is, the plurality of wall portions may form a polygonal profile. The plurality of wall portions may transition from one another via an angle, curvature, or both.

[0051] The at least one wall portion may be one wall portion with a radiused or curved profile. The one wall portion may extend continuously between the side walls of the cargo area.

[0052] The at least one wall portion may comprise one or more frame members, more preferably two or more frame members, or even more preferably three or more frame members. Multiple frame members may be aligned generally vertically, relative to a floor of a cargo area. The frame members may have spaces located therebetween. The at least one wall portion may comprise at least one strut connecting the one or more frame members. The frame members may be tubular, although the present teachings contemplate any suitable configuration of the frame members.

[0053] In one aspect, the tailgate bed extender system may comprise a cover that is locatable over the at least one wall portion and / or the storage space defined thereby. Said cover may be advantageous where the at least one wall portion is at least partially open (e.g., where spaces are located in between the one or more frame members). Flexible covers, as described herein, may be advantageously deployed with the at least one wall portion, which may function as a generally rigid frame or structure for supporting the flexible covers.

[0054] In another aspect, the tailgate bed extender system may comprise at least one wall portion defining a continuous surface that at least partially closes-off the storage space. In this regard, the at least one wall portion may function as a cover, or at least a segment of a cover. The at least one wall portion functioning as a segment of a cover may be employed in lieu of the at least one side segment described herein. Semirigid materials, as described herein, may advantageously form the at least one wall portion. Although, the present teachings contemplate that the semi-rigid materials described herein may be employed as a separate cover that may be applied to the at least one wall portion.

[0055] The tailgate bed extender system may comprise a cover. Tire cover may function to protect the storage space from access and / or the elements. The cover may be supported, at least in part, by the at least one wall portion described herein.

[0056] The cover may comprise at least one side segment. The at least one side segment may extend across the at least one wall portion. The at least one side segment may be fastenable to the at least one wall portion by ties, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or any combination thereof.

[0057] The cover may comprise at least one top segment. The at least one top segment may extend from the at least one wall portion over the storage space.

[0058] The at least one top segment may be fastenable to the at least one side segment. The at least one top segment and at least one side segment may fasten along a first edge of the at least one top segment and a first edge of the at least one side segment. Said fastening may be by one or more zippers, snaps, hook- and-loop fasteners, latches, magnets, or any combination thereof.

[0059] The cover may comprise at least one bottom segment. The at least one bottom segment may extend from the at least one wall portion under the storage space.

[0060] Tire at least one bottom segment may be fastenable to the at least one side segment. The at least one bottom segment and the at least one side segment may fasten along a first edge of the at least one bottom segment and a second edge of the at least one side segment. Said fastening may be by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, latches, magnets, or any combination thereof.

[0061] The at least one top segment may be fastenable, at or proximate to a second edge thereof, to a tonneau cover or a cross-rail extending between the two opposing sidewalls of the bed. Said fastening may be by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, latches, magnets, or any combination thereof. The flap may function to preclude moisture and / or debris intrusion between the at least one top segment and the tonneau cover.

[0062] The at least one side segment may include a flap that folds over the at least one top segment. The at least one top segment may include a flap that folds over the at least one side segment. Tire flap may be fastenable to the at least one side segment or the at least one top segment by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or any combination thereof.

[0063] The at least one side segment may include a flap that folds over the at least one bottom segment. The at least one bottom segment may include a flap that folds over the at least one side segment. The flap may be fastenable to the at least one side segment or the at least one bottom segment by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or any combination thereof.

[0064] Tire at least one top segment may include a flap that folds over the tonneau cover or cross-rail. The tonneau cover or cross-rail may include a flap that folds over the at least one top segment. Tire flap may be fastenable to tire at least one top segment, the tonneau cover, the cross-rail, or any combination thereof by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or any combination thereof.

[0065] The flap may function as a primary or secondary fastening mechanism. As a secondary fastening mechanism, the flap may provide layer of protection supplemental to a primary fastening mechanism between the at least one top segment and the at least one side segment, the at least one bottom segment and the at least one side segment, the at least one top segment and the tonneau cover or cross-rail, or any combination thereof. It may be advantageous to employ flaps to mitigate or substantially prevent wateringress into the storage space. That is, water may flow off of the flap rather than ingress through spaces between the fastening mechanisms described herein (e.g., spaces between snaps).

[0066] The present teachings contemplate that one or any combination of the top segment, the bottom segment, and the side segment may be monolithic in construction or provided as discrete segments that are separable from each other. These segments may be joined at least partially along the edges thereof. One or more edges or at least portions thereof, may be free from connection, while still being connected at least in some areas. In this regard, portions thereof may be folded.

[0067] One or any combination of the top segment, the bottom segment, and the side segment may be hingedly connected to one another. The hinge may be a compliant hinge or a mechanical hinge. The present teachings further contemplate that portions of a single segment may be hingedly connected to other portions of the same segment. In this regard, the bed extender or the cover thereof may be opened to provide access to the storage space. For example, tire top segment may be divided into two portions by a compliant hinge such that the left and / or right sides may be opened.

[0068] The cover may be fabricated from a flexible material. The flexible material may be a polymer. Hie polymer may be in the fonn of a fabric or sheet. An exemplary polymer may include vinyl.

[0069] The cover and / or at least one wall portion may be fabricated from a semi-rigid material. The semirigid material may include a layered arrangement. The layered arrangement may include one or more, two or more, or even three or more layers. The layered arrangement may include a first layer comprising a structural polymer, a second layer comprising a fabric, and optionally a third layer comprising a foam.

[0070] The third layer may be located between the first and second layers. An exemplary structural polymer may include thermoplastic polyolefin ( ’ I PO ) An exemplary fabric may include a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric. An exemplary foam may include a polypropylene foam.

[0071] The structural polymer may be oriented away from the storage space. The structural polymer may be liquid impenetrable or treated with a coating to be liquid impenetrable. Tire structural polymer may function to define the structure of the system described herein. Although the present teachings contemplate that the semi-rigid material may be attached to the at least one wall portion described herein, it is also contemplated that the semi-rigid material may act as the cover in lieu of the at least one side portion.

[0072] The fabric may be oriented toward the storage space. The fabric may provide a soft surface that may contact cargo and / or the at least one wall portion. Tire fabric may function to prevent scratching, marring, or other damage to the cargo and / or the at least one wall portion.

[0073] The present teachings contemplate that the structural polymer may be oriented toward the storage space and the fabric may be oriented away from the storage space. In this arrangement, the fabric may be treated with weatherproofing, such as a water-proof coating.

[0074] The foam may function to provide structure to the semi-rigid material. The foam may be a polypropylene foam. The tailgate bed extender or the cover may be free of a foam.

[0075] The at least one top segment, the at least one bottom segment, or both may include one, two, three, or even four portions of the semi-rigid layered material. The portions may be integrally connected together by one or more of the first, second, and third layers. The portions may be connected by a compliant hinge such that the portions may be rotatable relative to each other. In this regard, selective access of only part of the storage space may be provided for. Tire compliant hinge may be formed by an absence of material in one or more of the first, second, and third layers; a crease; the like; or any combination thereof. Preferably the compliant hinge may be defined by the fabric and / or foam layers and an absence of the structural polymer.

[0076] The compliant hinge may be sealed and / or reinforced on one or both outermost surfaces by a sealing and / or reinforcing material. The sealing and / or reinforcing material may be an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material may be connected to the outermost surfaces via welding, adhesive, or both.

[0077] The at least one top segment, the at least one bottom segment, or both may comprise one or more drains. The one or more drains may function to provide a leak path in the event that fluid enters the storage space.

[0078] The at least one top segment, the at least one bottom segment, or both may comprise one or more drain channels. The one or more drain channels may extend along at least a portion of the inner surface of said segments. Tire one or more drain channels may fluidly communicate with one or more drains.

[0079] The tailgate bed extender system may comprise one or more cameras, lights, or both. Hie lights may function as stop lights, turn signals, or the like. The cameras, lights, or both may have a wired connection to the vehicle. The wired connection may provide power thereto, control signals thereto, or both. The wired connection may be spliced into the existing vehicle wiring. The wired connection may be to outlets located in the bed. The wired connection may be to a trailer wiring harness located at the rear of the vehicle. The cover may comprise cutouts to accommodate the cameras, lights, or both. The bed extender system may comprise snap rings that engage the bed extender and seals tine cover around the cameras, lights, or both.

[0080] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrates a tailgate bed extender 10 installed on a bed 12 of a vehicle 14. The tailgate bed extender 10 is rotatable relative to the bed 12, such as having at least one pivot point on the floor of the bed or tire sidewall of the bed. In FIG. 1, the tailgate bed extender 10 is being rotated out onto a tailgate 16 of the bed 12. In FIG. 2, the tailgate bed extender 10 is located within the bed 12.

[0081] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrates a tailgate bed extender system 18, which includes a a tailgate bed extender 10 and a cover 20. The cover 20 has a side segment 22 and two top segments 24. 26. The topsegments 24, 26 are connected and pivotable relative to each other. Tire top segments 24, 26 are fastenable to the side segment 22 via snaps 28. Hie top segments 24, 26 include a flap 30 that extends over a tonneau cover 32. In this regard, fluid and debris can be precluded from leaking through any gap between the tonneau cover 32 and the top segments 24, 26.

[0082] It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in tire art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application.

[0083] Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use. Many embodiments as well as many applications besides the examples provided herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description.

[0084] Accordingly, the specific embodiments of tire invention set forth herein are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0085] The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

[0086] Tire disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0087] Plural elements can be provided by a single integrated element. Alternatively, a single element might be divided into separate plural elements.

[0088] The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element is not intended to foreclose additional elements.

[0089] Tire use of “about” or “approximately” in connection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about 20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of at least tire specified endpoints.

[0090] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower endpoint and any higher endpoint. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component, a property, or a value of a process variable such as, e.g., temperature, pressure, time, and the like is, e.g., from 1 to 90, from 20 to 80, or from 30 to 70. it is intended that intermediate range values such as, e.g., 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32, etc., are within the teachings of this specification. Likewise, individual intermediate values are also within the present teachings.

[0091] For values which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest endpoint and the highest endpoint enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

[0092] The term “consisting essentially of’ to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components, or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of tire terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of the elements, ingredients, components, or steps.

[0093] While the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and / or section from another region, layer, and / or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, and / or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, and / or section without departing from the teachings.

[0094] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:Claim 1 : A tailgate bed extender system for use with a vehicle having a bed including two opposing sidewalls, the tailgate bed extender system comprising: a tailgate bed extender having at least one wall portion extending between the two opposing sidewalls and oriented generally vertically, the at least one wall portion defining a storage space, and a cover comprising: at least one side segment that extends across the at least one wall portion, and at least one top segment that extends from the at least one wall portion over the storage space.Claim 2 : The tailgate bed extender system according to Claim 1 , wherein the at least one top segment is fastenable to the at least one side segment, along a first edge of the at least one top segment and a first edge of the at least one side segment, by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, latches, magnets, or any combination thereof.Claim 3 : The tailgate bed extender system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the cover further comprises at least one bottom segment that extends from the at least one wall portion under the storage space; and optionally wherein the at least one bottom segment is fastenable to the at least one side segment, along a first edge of the at least one bottom segment and a second edge of the at least one side segment, by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, latches, magnets, or any combination thereof.Claim 4: The tailgate bed extender system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one top segment includes a flap extending from or proximate to a second edge thereof that is fastenable to a tonneau cover or a cross-rail extending between the two opposing sidewalls of the bed by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, latches, magnets, or any combination thereof.Claim 5 : The tailgate bed extender system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one side segment includes a flap that folds over the at least one top segment; or the at least onetop segment includes a flap that folds over tire at least one side segment; and wherein the flap is fastenable to the at least one side segment or the at least one top segment by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and- loop fasteners, magnets, or any combination thereof.Claim 6: Tire tailgate bed extender system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one side segment is fastenable to the at least one wall portion by ties, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or any combination thereof.Claim 7 : The tailgate bed extender system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover is fabricated from a flexible material; optionally wherein the flexible material includes vinyl.Claim 8: Tire tailgate bed extender system according to Claim 7, wherein the flexible material includes vinyl.Claim 9: The tailgate bed extender system according to any one of Claims 1 through 6. wherein the cover is fabricated from a semi-rigid material; wherein the semi-rigid material includes a layered arrangement of: a first layer comprised of a structural polymer, a second layer comprised of a fabric, and a third layer comprised of foam and located between the first and second layers.Claim 10: The tailgate bed extender system according to Claim 9, wherein the structural polymer is a thermoplastic polyolefin; wherein the fabric is a non-woven fabric; and wherein the foam is a polypropylene foam.Claim 11: Tire tailgate bed extender system according to Claim 1, wherein the at least one side segment and the at least one top segment are monolithic with each other; and optionally wherein the at least one side segment and the at least one top segment are pivotal relative to each other.Claim 12: The tailgate bed extender system according to Claim 11, wherein the cover further comprises at least one bottom segment; wherein the at least one bottom segment is monolithic with the at least one side segment; and optionally wherein the at least one bottom segment and the at least one side segment are pivotal relative to each other.Claim 13: The tailgate bed extender system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wall portion includes a first end located adjacent to one of the two opposing sidewalls and a second end located adjacent to the other of the two opposing sidewalls.Claim 14: Tire tailgate bed extender system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wall portion includes a plurality of wall portions located in different vertical planes; and optionally wherein the plurality of wall portions transition from one another via an angle, curvature, or both.Claim 15: The tailgate bed extender system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wall portion comprises one or more tubular members, more preferably two or more tubular members, or even more preferably three or more tubular members aligned generally vertically and having spaces therebetween: and optionally wherein tire at least one wall portion further comprises at least one strut connecting the one or more tubular members.Claim 16: A pickup truck bed comprising the tailgate bed extender system according to any one of the preceding claims, the pickup truck bed comprising a tailgate, which, in an open configuration, supports the tailgate bed extender system; optionally wherein the tailgate bed extender system is rotatable relative to the pickup truck bed via a pivotal engagement of the tailgate bed extender system with tire bed.Claim 17: A tailgate bed extender for use with a vehicle having a bed including two opposing sidewalls, the tailgate bed extender comprising: at least one wall portion extending between the two opposing sidewalls and oriented generally vertically, the at least one wall portion defining a storage space, and at least one top segment that extends from the at least one wall portion over the storage space.Claim 18: The tailgate bed extender according to Claim 17. wherein the at least one top segment is fastenable to the at least one wall portion, along a first edge of the at least one top segment and a first edge of the at least one wall portion, by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, latches, magnets, or any combination thereof.Claim 19: The tailgate bed extender according to Claim 17 or Claim 18, wherein the tailgate bed extender further comprises at least one bottom segment that extends from the at least one wall portion underthe storage space; and wherein the at least one bottom segment is fastenable to the at least one wall portion, along a first edge of the at least one bottom segment and a second edge of the at least one wall portion, by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, latches, magnets, or any combination thereof.Claim 20: Tire tailgate bed extender according to any one of Claims 17 through 19, wherein the at least one top segment includes a flap extending from or proximate to a second edge thereof that is fastenable to a tonneau cover or a cross-rail extending between tire two opposing side walls of the bed by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, latches, magnets, or any combination thereof.Claim 21: The tailgate bed extender according to any one of Claims 17 through 20, wherein the at least one wall portion includes a flap that folds over the at least one top segment; or the at least one top segment includes a flap that folds over the at least one wall portion; and wherein the flap is fastenable to the at least one wall portion or the at least one top segment by one or more zippers, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or any combination thereof.Claim 22: The tailgate bed extender according to any one of Claims 17 through 21, wherein the at least one wall portion, the at least one top segment, and / or the at least one bottom segment is fabricated from a semi-rigid material; optionally wherein tire semi-rigid material includes a layered arrangement of: a first layer comprised of a structural polymer, a second layer comprised of a fabric, and a third layer comprised of foam and located between the first and second layers.Claim 23: The tailgate bed extender according to Claim 22, wherein the structural polymer is a thermoplastic polyolefin; wherein the fabric is a non-woven fabric; and wherein the foam is a polypropylene foam.Claim 24: The tailgate bed extender according to any one of Claims 17 through 23, wherein the at least one wall portion includes a first end located adjacent to one of the two opposing sidewalls and a second end located adjacent to the other of the two opposing sidewalls.Claim 25: Tire tailgate bed extender according to any one of Claims 17 through 24, wherein the at least one wall portion includes a plurality of wall portions located in different vertical planes; and optionally wherein the plurality of wall portions transition from one another via an angle, curvature, or both.Claim 26: The tailgate bed extender according to Claim 17, wherein the at least one wall portion and the at least one top segment are monolithic with each other; and optionally wherein the at least one side segment and the at least one top segment are pivotal relative to each other.Claim 27 : Tire tailgate bed extender system according to Claim 26, wherein the tailgate bed extender further comprises at least one bottom segment; wherein the at least one bottom segment is monolithic with the at least one side segment; and optionally wherein the at least one bottom segment and the at least one side segment are pivotal relative to each other.

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