Pivoting cargo bed slide

Abstract

The present teachings generally relate to a pivoting cargo bed slide (10). The pivoting cargo bed slide (10) comprises a base member (16), a slide carrier (14) hingedly connected to the base member (16), and a cargo platform (12) slidingly connected to the slide carrier (14).

Description

PIVOTING CARGO BED SLIDEFIELD

[0001] The present teachings generally relate to a cargo bed slide manipulable by axial translation and pivotal translation.BACKGROUND

[0002] Cargo bed slides are known and available for providing unique cargo management solutions. In some circumstances, cargo can be out of reach from the rear of a vehicle and thus one may be required to climb above or into tire cargo area to access said cargo. Some cargo can be cumbersome to locate into or remove from cargo areas, such as spare tires. Some vehicle owners use their cargo areas for work tools and equipment, some of which requiring containment within organization systems. Thus, cargo bed slides are used to store and secure cargo, and slide out to within reach of owners standing outside of the cargo area.

[0003] Some cargo bed slides are contained within an enclosure, allowing the top of the enclosure to be used as storage space while permitting the cargo bed slide to be accessed. However, this configuration limits the dimensions (e.g., height) of items stored within the cargo bed slide. Tire dimensions of items stored atop the enclosure may also be limited due to the reduced depth of the cargo area, which can raise concerns regarding overhead height limitations and the risks of some cargo falling out of the cargo area. Exemplary cargo bed slides having this configuration include the Decked products commercially available from RealTruck.

[0004] Some cargo bed slides have an open configuration such as an unenclosed platfonn or tray that slides into and out of the cargo area. However, there is no additional structure above this configuration of cargo bed slide to stack cargo. In some circumstances, the cargo stored therein may be somewhat fragile and should not have additional items stacked thereupon. Thus, the storage space is limited by the presence of the cargo bed slide. Exemplary cargo bed slides having this configuration include the Cargo Ease products commercially available from RealTruck.

[0005] Cargo bed slides are typically fixed to the cargo area with hardware, such as bolts that fasten the same to the vehicle structure. They can also be heavy and cumbersome. As a result, it is difficult to remove the cargo bed slide from the vehicle after installation, in the event that the full dimensions of the cargo area need to be used.

[0006] Conventionally, vehicles such as pickup tracks provide many benefits for various professional and recreational activities. For example, construction work, overland camping, and the like. Accordingly, it is common for some cargo (c.g., spare tires, jerry cans, jacks, tools, and the like) to remain on-board the vehicle for diese uses, but there may be instances where additional storage space is needed.

[0007] It would be desirable to provide a cargo bed slide that obviates the need to remove the cargo bed slide in order to access additional storage space within a cargo area.

[0008] It would be desirable to provide a cargo bed slide that obviates the need to remove cargo from the cargo area in order to access additional storage space within the cargo area.

[0009] It would be desirable to provide a cargo bed slide that can be manipulated into different configurations depending on the instant needs of tire user.SUMMARY

[0010] Tire present disclosure relates to a pivoting cargo bed slide, which may address at least some of the needs identified above. Tire pivoting cargo bed slide may comprise a base member mountable to a vehicle surface; a slide carrier hingedly connected to tire base member; and a cargo platfonn slidingly connected to the slide carrier.

[0011] The pivoting cargo bed slide may further comprise a first locking mechanism for fixating the cargo platform relative to the slide carrier and optionally a second locking mechanism for fixating the cargo platform relative to the slide carrier. Tire pivoting cargo bed slide may further comprise a third locking mechanism for fixating tire slide carrier relative to the base member.

[0012] The first locking mechanism and the optional second locking mechanism may inhibit axial translation of the cargo platform relative to the slide carrier. The third locking mechanism may inhibit pivotal translation of the cargo platform and slide carrier relative to the base member.

[0013] The first locking mechanism may comprise a latch, a clip, a pin, or any combination thereof, preferably a slam latch. The third locking mechanism may comprise a latch, a clip, a pin, or any combination thereof, preferably a swing latch.

[0014] The pivoting cargo bed slide may further comprise at least one hinge forming the hinged connection between the base member and the slide carrier.

[0015] The at least one hinge may be a barrel-style hinge. A first barrel may be connected to the base member and a second barrel may be connected to the slide carrier.

[0016] Tire at least one hinge may be located on or proximate to a first edge of the base member and the third locking mechanism may be located on or proximate to a second edge of the base member, the first edge being in opposing relationship to the second edge.

[0017] The slide carrier may be located above the base member and the cargo platform is located above the slide carrier in a first configuration of the pivoting cargo bed slide. The base member, the slide carrier, and the cargo platform may each include at least one planar portion that are arranged in parallel in the first configuration of the pivoting cargo bed slide.

[0018] The slide carrier and the cargo platform may be oriented in an upright position in a second configuration of the pivoting cargo bed slide.

[0019] Tire pivoting cargo bed slide may further comprise a support for supporting the slide carrier and the cargo platform in the upright position.

[0020] The slide carrier may comprise a first portion and at least one second portion extending generally orthogonally from the first portion.

[0021] The pivoting cargo bed slide may further comprise at least one slide forming the sliding connection between the slide carrier and the cargo platform. The at least one slide may be located on the first portion and / or tire at least one second portion of the slide carrier.

[0022] Tire at least one second portion may include two second portions respectively extending from opposing edges of the first portion. The at least one slide may include a first slide and a second slide respectfully located on the two second portions.

[0023] The cargo platform may comprise a floor and optionally one or more walls located on or proximate to a perimeter of the floor.

[0024] Tire cargo platfonn may comprises a plurality of tie-down anchors, through-holes, or both.

[0025] The cargo platform may axially translate up to about 1 / 4 to 3 / 4 of its length, the cargo platfonn may axially translate up to about 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of its length.

[0026] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle, which may address at least some of the needs identified above. The vehicle may comprise the pivoting cargo bed slide according to any one of the foregoing paragraphs.

[0027] Tire vehicle may further comprise a cargo area upon which the pivoting cargo bed slide is fastened.

[0028] The pivoting cargo bed slide may pivot toward a front wall, a tailgate, a left side, or a right side of the cargo area, or any combination thereof.BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a top of a pivoting cargo bed slide according to the present teachings.

[0030] FIG. IB is a perspective view of a bottom of a pivoting cargo bed slide according to the present teachings.

[0031] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a top of a pivoting cargo bed slide according to the present teachings.

[0032] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a bottom of a pivoting cargo bed slide according to the present teachings.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a side of a pivoting cargo bed slide according to the present teachings.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pivoting cargo bed slide according to the present teachings.

[0035] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a cargo area with a pivoting cargo bed slide according to the present teachings installed thereon.

[0036] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a cargo area with a pivoting cargo bed slide according to the present teachings installed thereon.

[0037] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a cargo area with a pivoting cargo bed slide according to the present teachings installed thereon.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present teachings provide for an improved cargo bed slide with pivoting functionality. The pivoting cargo bed slide may slide into and out of a cargo area and pivot within the cargo area. Sliding may provide users with greater accessibility to cargo stored in or on the pivoting cargo bed slide. Pivoting of the cargo bed slide may free up storage space within the cargo area.

[0039] The cargo area may be on-board a vehicle. Tire vehicle may include a truck (e g., pickup truck), an SUV, a crossover, a station wagon, or the like. Although the present teachings may discuss the pivoting cargo bed slide with respect to pickup trucks, any vehicle having a cargo area may be host to the pivoting cargo bed slide.

[0040] The cargo area may be defined by one or more walls. The one or more walls may include a front wall, a tailgate, and two sidewalls. The front wall and the tailgate may be in opposing relation to each other. The two sidewalls may be in an opposing relationship to each other. The two sidewalls may extend from the front wall to the tailgate. The cargo area may include a floor. In opposition to the floor, top surfaces may be defined by the front wall, the tailgate, the two sidewalls, or any combination thereof.

[0041] The pivoting cargo bed slide may be located in the cargo area. The pivoting cargo bed slide may be fastened to a floor of the cargo area. Fasteners may extend from or through the pivoting cargo bed slide and mate with receiving holes existing in the vehicle as-provided by the OEM, or formed into the vehicle by a user.

[0042] The pivoting cargo bed slide may pivot toward the front wall, the tailgate, one or both of the opposing sidewalls, or any combination thereof.

[0043] The pivoting cargo bed slide may comprise a base member, a slide carrier, and a cargo platform. The base member may be mountable to a vehicle surface (e.g., a floor of the cargo area). Tire slide carrier may be hingcdly connected to the base member. Tire cargo platfonn may be slidingly connected to the slidecarrier. The cargo platform may axially translate relative to the slide carrier and the base member. The cargo platform and the slide carrier may pivot relative to the base member.

[0044] Tire slide carrier may be located above the base member. The cargo platform may be located above the slide carrier. The base member, the slide carrier, and the cargo platform may each include at least one planar portion that are arranged in parallel in a first configuration of the pivoting cargo bed slide.

[0045] The pivoting cargo bed slide may be configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the slide carrier and the cargo platform may be oriented generally parallel with the base member and a floor of the vehicle. In the second configuration, the slide carrier and the cargo platform may be in an upright position.

[0046] In the second configuration, the slide carrier and the cargo platfomr may be oriented at an obtuse or acute angle relative to the base member. The angle may be about 30° or more, 50° or more, or even 70° or more. The angle may be about 130° or less, 110° or less, or even 90° or less. The pivoting cargo bed slide may be adapted to be maintained at one or more pre-determined acute and / or obtuse angles (e.g., via one or more supports described herein). The pivoting cargo bed slide may fold into an obtuse angle and rest upon a structure, such as a sidewall of a cargo area.

[0047] In the first configuration, the cargo platfonn may be axially translated. To achieve the second configuration, the cargo platfomr and the slide carrier may be pivotally translated. Tire present teachings contemplate that tire cargo platform may be axially translated while the pivoting cargo bed slide is in the second configuration. Although, axial translation may be precluded or at least partially limited while the pivoting cargo bed slide is in the second configuration. The present teachings contemplate that excess torsional stresses in tire pivoting cargo bed slide may be avoided by at least partially limiting the cargo platfonn from sliding out while in the upright position. In this regard, a gravity-actuated mechanism or other suitable locking mechanism may engage the cargo platfonn and preclude axial translation when the pivoting cargo bed slide is manipulated into the second configuration.

[0048] The cargo platform may comprise a floor and optionally one or more walls located on or proximate to a perimeter of the floor. The cargo platfonn may be generally in the form of a tray. Cargo may be located upon the cargo platform. Cargo may be secured to the cargo platfomr. In this regard, The cargo platfomr may comprises a plurality of tie-down anchors, through-holes, or both.

[0049] The slide carrier may comprise a first portion and optionally at least one second portion (e.g.. two second portions). The first portion may be in the form of a panel or a frame. The at least one second portion may be in the form of a panel or a frame. The first portion may be oriented parallel to the floor of the cargo platform, and in the first configuration, parallel to the base member. The at least one second portion may extend generally orthogonally from the first portion. The at least one second portion may be located on or proximate to an edge of the first portion. For example, the at least one second portion may include twosecond portions located on or proximate to opposing edges of the first portion. Tire at least one second portion may function to maintain slides in an upright orientation.

[0050] Tire pivoting cargo bed slide may comprise at least one slide. The at least one slide may form the sliding connection between the slide carrier and the cargo platform. The at least one slide may be located on the first portion and / or the at least one second portion of the slide carrier.

[0051] In some aspects, the at least one slide may be located on the first portion, such as one slide located on a left side of the first portion and another slide located on the right side of the first portion.

[0052] In some aspects, the at least one slide may be located on the at least one second portion, such as one slide located on one second portion and another slide located on another second portion.

[0053] In some aspects, the at least one slide may be located on the first portion and / or the at least one second portion, such as one slide located on the first portion and another slide located on at least one second portion.

[0054] One or any combination of the foregoing approaches may be used. The present teachings are not intended to be limited to tire quantity and / or location of the slides.

[0055] Tire slide carrier may comprise a third portion, at least partially enclosing the cargo platform. The third portion may be in opposing relationship to the first portion. Tire third portion may be used to store cargo atop tire pivoting cargo bed slide. Said cargo may not slide out of the cargo area. Said cargo may pivot with the slide carrier.

[0056] The base member may function to engage a cargo area (e.g., a floor of a cargo area), secure the pivoting cargo bed slide to a cargo area, provide a surface upon which cargo can be stored, or any combination thereof.

[0057] The base member may be in the form of a panel or frame. The base member may be generally planar. In this regard, the base member may provide a surface, such as a generally flat surface, upon which cargo can rest upon while the pivoting cargo bed slide is in the second configuration.

[0058] The base member may comprise one or more receiving holes for fasteners to pass through and into a cargo area. The fasteners may include bolts, screws, rivets, the like, or any combination thereof. The cargo area may comprise pre-formed receiving holes, as provided by the OEM. A user may form (e.g., drill) one or more receiving holes into the cargo area that generally correspond in pattern and position of the receiving holes in the base member. One or more of the receiving holes in the base member may be elongated for position adjustment.

[0059] The present teachings envision that the cargo platform, the slide carrier, the base member, or any combination thereof may be in a skeletonized form. That is, rather than continuous surfaces formed by a plurality of panels, a plurality of voids may be formed into one or more of these elements and / or these elements may be constructed of rails (e.g., extruded or molded rails). In this regard, the overall weight ofthe pivoting cargo bed slide may be reduced, thus aiding in installation and reducing the stresses upon the hinges and / or supports described herein when the pivoting cargo bed slide is maintained in the second configuration. In another aspect, the skeletonized characteristics of the pivoting cargo bed slide may provide for tie-down points for securing cargo upon the cargo platfomr (e.g., via straps, ropes, or the like).

[0060] The cargo area may include wheel well projections. Hie cargo platfonn and / or the slide carrier comprises one or more cutouts and / or depressions, which are adapted to accommodate the wheel well projections by at least partially receiving the wheel well projections when the pivoting cargo bed slide is in the second configuration.

[0061] The pivoting cargo bed slide may have a length of about 200 cm or less, 170 cm or less, 150 cm or less, or even 130 cm or less. The pivoting cargo bed slide may have a length of about 50 cm or more, 70 cm or more, 90 cm or more, or even 110 cm or more . Length may refer to the dimension extending between the front wall and the tailgate of the cargo area when the pivoting cargo bed slide is installed on a vehicle.

[0062] The pivoting cargo bed slide may have a width of about 65 cm or less, 60 cm or less, or even 55 cm or less. The pivoting cargo bed slide may have a width of about 35 cm or more, 40 cm or more, 45 cm or more, or even 50 cm or more. Width may refer to the dimension extending between the opposing side walls of the cargo area when the pivoting cargo bed slide is installed on a vehicle.

[0063] The pivoting cargo bed slide may have a length that is generally commensurate with or less than a length of tire cargo area. The pivoting cargo bed slide may have a width that is less than a width of the cargo area. The cargo area may have wheel well projections located therein, which generally outline the profiles of the wheel wells. In consideration of the pivoting function of the pivoting cargo bed slide, the pivoting cargo bed slide may be dimensioned and / or located within the cargo area such that there is space provided for the cargo platfonn and / or slide carrier when pivoted leftward or rightward toward the side walls of the cargo area.

[0064] The present teachings contemplate that the pivoting function of the pivoting cargo bed slide may obviate the need for maximizing the dimensions of the pivoting cargo bed slide relative to the dimensions of the cargo area. That is, conventional cargo bed slides may be dimensioned generally commensurate with the cargo area to maximize the usable space within the cargo area. However, the pivoting cargo bed slide of the present teachings may be pivoted to free up bed space when needed.

[0065] The cargo platfomr may axially translate a distance of about 1 / 4 or more, 2 / 4 or more, or even 3 / 4 of its length (e.g., about 1 / 3 or more, or even 2 / 3 or more of its length). The distance that the cargo platform can be axially translated may be generally coextensive with a dimension (e.g., a width) of a tailgate or beyond an end of the tailgate.

[0066] The pivoting cargo bed slide may comprise one or more locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms may function to fixate the cargo platform, the slide carrier, the base member, or any combination thereof relative to one another.

[0067] Tire one or more locking mechanisms may comprises a latch (e.g., a slam latch, a draw latch, a swing latch, or the like), a clip, a pin, or any combination thereof.

[0068] The one or more locking mechanisms may comprise one or more first locking mechanisms. The first locking mechanism may function to inhibit axial translation of the cargo platform relative to the slide carrier. The first locking mechanism may function to fixate the cargo platform relative to the slide carrier. Preferably, the first locking mechanism may be a slam latch.

[0069] The one or more locking mechanisms may comprise one or more second locking mechanisms. The second locking mechanism may function to inhibit axial translation of the cargo platform relative to the slide carrier. The second locking mechanism may function to fixate the cargo platform relative to the slide carrier.

[0070] The one or more locking mechanisms may comprise one or more third locking mechanisms. The third locking mechanism may function to inhibit pivotal translation of the cargo platform and slide carrier relative to the base member. Tire third locking mechanism may function to fixate the slide carrier relative to the base member. Preferably, the third locking mechanism may be a swing latch.

[0071] The second locking mechanism may be optional. The second locking mechanism may function to provide supplemental securement of the cargo platform relative to the slide carrier, mitigate stresses on the first locking mechanism (e.g., during driving), lock the cargo platform relative to the slide carrier, or any combination thereof. Tire first locking mechanism may be provided for frequent use, such as providing repeated access to the cargo platform in a single day. Hie second locking mechanism may be used when the pivoting cargo bed slide is not in use, such as during driving.

[0072] The pivoting cargo bed slide may comprise at least one hinge. The at least one hinge may function to form a hinged connection between the base member and the slide carrier. The at least one hinge may be located on or proximate to an edge of the slide carrier and / or the base member. The at least one hinge may be located on or proximate to an edge of the slide carrier and / or the base member that is in opposing relationship to one or more third locking mechanisms.

[0073] The at least one hinge may be a barrel-style hinge. At least one first barrel may be connected to the base member and at least one second barrel may be connected to the slide carrier.

[0074] The at least one hinge may include one or more, two or more, three or more, or even four or more hinges on one or more edges of the slide carrier and / or the base member. The at least one hinge may include one or more first hinges located on or proximate to a first edge of the base member, one or more second hinges located on or proximate to a second edge of the base member, or both.

[0075] In an arrangement of first and second hinges located respectively on or proximate to opposing edges of the base member, use of the first hinge may be permitted by disengaging the second hinge (e.g., removing a pin thereof) and vice versa. In this regard, the pivoting cargo bed slide can be pivoted in two directions (e.g., leftward and rightward). Where both the first and second hinges are engaged, that is, including pins connecting the barrels thereof, the hinges may function as the third fastening mechanism as described herein. The present teachings contemplate that the pivoting cargo bed slide may comprise one or more hinges on or proximate to three edges of the pivoting cargo bed slide, or even four edges of the pivoting cargo bed slide.

[0076] Tire pivoting cargo bed slide may comprise one or more supports. The one or more supports may function to support the slide carrier and the cargo platform in tire upright position. The one or more supports may be in the form of struts, index selector plate and pin, detent, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0077] FIG. 1A and FIG. IB show a pivoting cargo bed slide 10 according to the present teachings. The pivoting cargo bed slide 10 comprises a cargo platform 12, a slide carrier 14, and a base member 16, where the cargo platform 12 is slidingly connected with tire slide carrier 14 and the slide carrier 14 is hingedly connected to the base member 16.

[0078] The cargo platfomi 12 comprises a floor 12 and four walls 20 arranged around the perimeter of tire cargo platform 12. thus being generally in the fomr of a tray. The present teachings contemplate that cargo platform 12 may be free of one or more of the walls 20 or all of the walls 20. The floor 12 and walls 20 have through-holes formed therein, which may mitigate the overall weight of the cargo platform 12 and allow for water drainage, while also accommodating straps, ropes, or the like for tying down cargo. The present teachings also contemplate that the cargo platform 12 may include tie-down anchors.

[0079] The slide carrier 14 comprises a first portion 22 generally parallel and coextensive with the floor 12 of the cargo platfomi 12. The slide carrier 14 comprises second portions 24 generally parallel and coextensive with two of the walls 20 of the cargo platform 12 that are in opposing relationship to each other. The second portions 24 extend generally orthogonally from the first portion 22. It is possible that the slide carrier 14 is free of the second portions 24 and slides 26, discussed in greater detail below, may be located on the first portion 22.

[0080] The pivoting cargo bed slide 10 comprises slides 26 connecting the two opposing walls 20 of the cargo platform 12 and the second portions 24 of the slide carrier 14. In this regard, the cargo platfomi 12 can be axially translated relative to the slide carrier 14. such as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. The present teachings contemplate that the cargo platform 12 can be axially translated a distance of about 1 / 4 or more, 2 / 4 or more, or even 3 / 4 of its length (e.g., about 1 / 3 or more, or even 2 / 3 or more of its length). Hie distance that the cargo platfomi 12 can be axially translated may be generally coextensive with a dimension (e.g., a width) of a tailgate or beyond an end of the tailgate.

[0081] The cargo platform 12 comprises a first locking mechanism 28 that engages the slide carrier 14 to fixate the cargo platform 12 relative to the slide carrier 14. The first locking mechanism 28 is shown as a latch, particularly a slam latch, whereby a bolt, which may or may not be spring-loaded, is axially translatable (e.g., up and down) into an out of engagement with the slide carrier 14, e.g., a receiving hole formed in the slide carrier 14. The present teachings are not intended to be limited by a slam latch and other forms of latches (e.g., a draw latch, a swing latch, or the like) may be used, or even other fastening mechanisms such as clips, pins, or the like. Moreover, it is contemplated that the first locking mechanism 28 or other fastening mechanism may be comprised by the slide carrier 14 and selectively engageable with the cargo platform 12.

[0082] Tire cargo platform 12 comprises a second locking mechanism 30 that engages the slide carrier 14 to fixate the cargo platform 12 relative to the slide carrier 14. The second locking mechanism 30 is shown as a plate axially translatable into and out of engagement with the slide carrier 14, e.g., a receiving hole formed in the slide carrier 14. The plate comprises an elongated hole through which fasteners, e.g., bolts, pass through and into engagement with the cargo platform 12. Thus, the fasteners can be loosened to allow axial translation (e.g., leftward and rightward) of the second locking mechanism 30 and tightened to fixate the second locking mechanism 30 relative to the cargo platform 12. The present teachings are not intended to be limited by a plate and other fonns of locking mechanisms may be used, such as latches, clips, pins, or the like. Moreover, it is contemplated that the second locking mechanism 30 or other locking mechanism may be comprised by the slide carrier 14 and selectively engageable with the cargo platform 12.

[0083] The first fastening mechanism 28 may provide primary fastening of the cargo platform 12 such as when a user repeatedly accesses cargo in the cargo platform 12 within a short period of time. The second fastening mechanism 30 may provide supplemental fastening of the cargo platform 12, as a precautionary measure to maintain fixation of the cargo platform 12, such as during driving or when maintaining the cargo platform 12 and slide carrier 14 in an upright position (see. e.g., FIG. 4). It is also contemplated that the second fastening mechanism 30 may be locked for security, such as via a lock integrally fabricated into the second fastening mechanism 30 or a padlock extending through the end of the second fastening mechanism 30, that is exposed rightward of tire second portion 24. The pivoting cargo bed slide 10 may be free of a second fastening mechanism 28 and at least one of the foregoing features (e.g ., an integrated lock) may be provided with the first fastening mechanism 28.

[0084] The slide carrier 14 comprises third fastening mechanisms 32 that engages the base member 16 to fixate the slide carrier 14 and cargo platform 12 relative to the base member 16. The third locking mechanism 32 is shown as two latches, particularly swing latches, pivotably translatable into and out of engagement with the base member 16, e.g., receiving holes formed in the base member 16. The third fastening mechanism 32 is engageable to the base member 16 to prevent pivoting of the cargo platform 12and slide carrier 14. For example, in the event of driving over bumpy ground. The present teachings are not intended to be limited by swing latch and other forms of locking mechanisms may be used, such as other types of latches, clips, pins, or the like. Moreover, it is contemplated that the third locking mechanism 32 or other locking mechanism may be comprised by the base member 16 and selectively engageable with the slide carrier 14. Although two of the third fastening mechanisms 32 are shown, the present teachings are not intended to be limited by the quantity of the third fastening mechanisms 32. A forwardly located and a rearwardly located third fastening mechanism 32 may be advantageous to address torsional stress upon the cargo platform 12 and / or slide carrier 14, such as when driving over bumpy ground.

[0085] Tire pivoting cargo bed slide 10 comprises fasteners 34 for securing the pivoting cargo bed slide 10 to a vehicle, e.g., a floor of a cargo area. Tire fasteners 34 extend through the base member 16, thus, the base member 16 is fixated and the cargo platform 12 and slide carrier 14 pivot relative to the base member 16. The fasteners 34 may mate with receiving holes existing in the vehicle as-provided by the OEM, or formed into the vehicle by a user. The base member 16 has multiple receiving holes, which have an elongated configuration. In this regard, the fasteners 34 are permitted a degree of flexibility in their location and the pivoting cargo bed slide 10 can be installed on a wide variety of vehicle models.

[0086] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show the axial translation of the cargo platform 12 relative to the slide carrier 14 and the base member 16. Tire first and second locking mechanisms 28, 30 are disengaged from the slide carrier 14. thus allowing the cargo platform 12 to axially translate. In the depicted configuration, a user can access cargo stored in the cargo platform 12. The pivoting cargo bed slide 10 is typically installed in a cargo area of a vehicle (see, e.g., FIGS. 5A and 5B).

[0087] FIG. 3 provides a view of a side of the pivoting cargo bed slide 10 having hinges 36 pivotably connecting the slide carrier 14 and the base member 16. Hie hinges 36 are depicted as barrel-style hinges, but the present teachings are not intended to be limited to hinge type. The hinges 36 provide for pivotal translation of the cargo platform 12 and the slide carrier 14 relative to the base member 16. Disengagement of the third locking mechanisms (not shown) from the base member 16 permit said pivotal translation. The present teachings contemplate that the edge of the base member 16 with the third locking mechanisms (shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B) may comprise hinges in lieu of the third locking mechanisms. In this regard, the cargo platform 12 and slide carrier 14 can be pivoted leftward or rightward into an upright position. The hinges 36 can be configured with quick-release pins in order to de-couple the hinges on one of the edges to permit pivotal translation about the other edge.

[0088] FIG. 4 shows the pivotal translation of the cargo platform 12 and the slide carrier 14 relative to the base member 16. The third locking mechanisms 32 are disengaged from the base member 16, thus allowing the cargo platform 12 and tire slide carrier 14 to pivotally translate into an upright position via the hinges36. It is contemplated that the first and second locking mechanisms 28, 30 can be disengaged and the cargo platform 12 can be axially translated while in the upright position.

[0089] In the depicted configuration, a user can store cargo upon the base member 16 and / or access cargo located forward (e.g., toward a cab) of the pivoting cargo bed slide 10, while cargo stored in the cargo platfonn 12 can be maintained therein if secured (e.g., by straps, ropes, or the like). In some circumstances, storage space with dimensions greater than the cargo platform 12 may be needed and thus pivotal translation allows the user to use extra space. In some circumstances, the pivoting cargo bed slide 10 may not span an entirety of one or more dimensions of a cargo area and thus, pivotal translation may allow the user to use a full dimension (e.g., length) of a cargo area.

[0090] FIG. 5A through FIG. 5C illustrate a cargo area 50 with tire pivoting cargo bed slide 52 installed thereon. Hie cargo area 50 is defined by a front wall 54, a tailgate (not shown), two opposing side walls 56, and a floor 58. The pivoting cargo bed slide 52 is mounted upon the floor 48. A wheel well 60 is defined in the cargo area 50. Although the cargo area 50 depicted is that of a pickup truck, the present teachings contemplate that the pivoting cargo bed slide 10 may be installed in a cargo area of an SUV, a crossover, a station wagon, or the like.

[0091] FIG. 5A shows the pivoting cargo bed slide 52 in a first configuration in which the tailgate (not shown) can be closed. FIG. 5B shows the pivoting cargo bed slide 52 in a second configuration where the cargo platform and the slide carrier are oriented in an upright position. FIG. 5C shows the pivoting cargo bed slide 52 with the cargo platform extended from the slide carrier and the base member.

[0092] 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 the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application.

[0093] 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.

[0094] Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the 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 detennined with reference to tire appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0095] 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.

[0096] Tire disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, arc incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0097] Plural elements or steps can be provided by a single integrated element or step. Alternatively, a single element or step might be divided into separate plural elements or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements or steps.

[0098] 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 the specified endpoints.

[0099] 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 an element, a property, or a value 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] The tenn “consisting essentially of’ to describe a combination shall include the elements, components, or steps identified, and such other elements, components, or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, components, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of the elements, components, or steps.

[0102] While the tenns 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. Tirus, a first element, component, region, layer, and / or section discussed herein could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, and / or section without departing from the teachings.

[0103] 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. Tirus,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.

[0104] Tire tenns “generally” or “substantially” to describe angular measurements may mean about + / - 10° or less, about + / - 5° or less, or even about + / - 1° or less. Hie tenns “generally” or “substantially” to describe angular measurements may mean about + / - 0.01° or greater, about + / - 0.1° or greater, or even about + / - 0.5° or greater.

[0105] The terms “generally” or “substantially” to describe linear measurements, percentages, or ratios may mean about + / - 10% or less, about + / - 5% or less, or even about + / - 1% or less. The tenns “generally” or “substantially” to describe linear measurements, percentages, or ratios may mean about + / - 0.01% or greater, about + / - 0.1% or greater, or even about + / - 0.5% or greater.REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0106] 10 Pivoting cargo bed slide

[0107] 12 Cargo platform

[0108] 14 Slide carrier

[0109] 16 Base member

[0110] 18 Floor

[0111] 20 Wall

[0112] 22 First portion

[0113] 24 Second portions

[0114] 26 Slide

[0115] 28 First locking mechanism

[0116] 30 Second locking mechanism

[0117] 32 Third locking mechanism

[0118] 34 Fastener

[0119] 36 Hinge

[0120] 38 Vehicle

[0121] 40 Cargo area

[0122] 42 Front wall

[0123] 44 Tailgate

[0124] 46 Sidewall

[0125] 48 Floor

[0126] 50 Cargo area

[0127] 52 Pivoting cargo bed slide

[0128] 54 Front wall

[0129] 56 Side wall

[0130] 58 Floor

[0131] 60 Wheel well

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:Claim 1: A pivoting cargo bed slide comprising: a base member mountable to a vehicle surface; a slide carrier hingedly connected to the base member; and a cargo platform slidingly connected to the slide carrier.Claim 2: Tire pivoting cargo bed slide according to Claim 1, further comprising a first locking mechanism for fixating the cargo platform relative to the slide carrier and optionally a second locking mechanism for fixating the cargo platform relative to the slide carrier; and further comprising a third locking mechanism for fixating the slide carrier relative to the base member.Claim 3: The pivoting cargo bed slide according to Claim 2, wherein the first locking mechanism and the optional second locking mechanism inhibit axial translation of the cargo platform relative to the slide carrier; and wherein the third locking mechanism inhibits pivotal translation of the cargo platform and slide carrier relative to the base member.Claim 4: The pivoting cargo bed slide according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the first locking mechanism comprises a latch, a clip, a pin, or any combination thereof, preferably a slam latch; and wherein the third locking mechanism comprises a latch, a clip, a pin, or any combination thereof, preferably a swing latch.Claim 5 : The pivoting cargo bed slide according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one hinge forming the hinged connection between the base member and the slide carrier.Claim 6: The pivoting cargo bed slide according to Claim 5, wherein the at least one hinge is a barrel-style hinge; wherein a first barrel is connected to the base member and a second barrel is connected to the slide carrier.Claim 7 : The pivoting cargo bed slide according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein the at least one hinge is located on or proximate to a first edge of the base member and the third locking mechanism islocated on or proximate to a second edge of the base member, the first edge being in opposing relationship to the second edge.Claim 8: Tire pivoting cargo bed slide according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slide carrier is located above the base member and the cargo platform is located above the slide carrier in a first configuration of the pivoting cargo bed slide: and wherein the base member, the slide carrier, and the cargo platform each include at least one planar portion that are arranged in parallel in the first configuration of the pivoting cargo bed slide.Claim 9: Tire pivoting cargo bed slide according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slide carrier and tire cargo platform are oriented in an upright position in a second configuration of the pivoting cargo bed slide.Claim 10: Tire pivoting cargo bed slide according to Claim 9, further comprising a support for supporting the slide carrier and the cargo platform in the upright position.Claim 11 : The pivoting cargo bed slide according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slide carrier comprises a first portion and at least one second portion extending generally orthogonally from the first portion.Claim 12: Tire pivoting cargo bed slide according to Claim 11, further comprising at least one slide forming the sliding connection between the slide carrier and tire cargo platform; and wherein the at least one slide is located on the first portion and / or the at least one second portion of the slide carrier.Claim 13 : The pivoting cargo bed slide according to Claim 12, wherein the at least one second portion includes two second portions respectively extending from opposing edges of the first portion; and wherein the at least one slide includes a first slide and a second slide respectfully located on the two second portions.Claim 14: The pivoting cargo bed slide according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cargo platform comprises a floor and optionally one or more walls located on or proximate to a perimeter of the floor.Claim 15: Tire pivoting cargo bed slide according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cargo platform comprises a plurality of tie-down anchors, through-holes, or both.Claim 16: The pivoting cargo bed slide according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cargo platform axially translates up to about 1 / 4 to 3 / 4 of its length.Claim 17 : The pivoting cargo bed slide according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cargo platform axially translates up to about 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of its length.Claim 18: A vehicle comprising the pivoting cargo bed slide according to any one of tire preceding claims.Claim 19: The vehicle according to Claim 18. further comprising a cargo area upon which the pivoting cargo bed slide is fastened.Claim 20: Tire vehicle according to Claim 18 or Claim 19, wherein the pivoting cargo bed slide pivots toward a front wall, a tailgate, a left side, or a right side of the cargo area, or any combination thereof.

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