System for securing cargo to the cargo area of a vehicle

Abstract

A system for securing cargo to a cargo area of a vehicle is disclosed herein. The system is reversibly connected to a tailgate of a pickup truck. The system comprises a bar having a first end, a second end, a first latch member connected to the first end, and a second latch member connected to the second end of the bar. The latch members releasably engage the tailgate latch system of the tailgate. Attachment means for securing cargo to the cargo system extent from the bar. The means may include but are not limited to rails, hooks, latches, tracks, loops, bolts, nuts, straps, cables, and clamps. The system is disconnected from the tailgate by unlocking the tailgate latch system. The system disclosed herein is specifically adapted to secure cargo that extends onto and beyond the tailgate.

Description

Inventor: Stefan SchreckSYSTEM FOR SECURING CARGO TO THE CARGO AREA OF A VEHICLETechnical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to systems for securing cargo to a vehicle.Background

[0002] A pickup truck is a vehicle with an open bed in which cargo can be transported. In some cases, the truck bed of a pickup truck is too short to place the cargo within the bed. In these situations, the tailgate is often placed in the open position, and the cargo partially rests on the tailgate. Some postmarket kits and accessories provide means of securing oversized cargo when the tailgate is in the open position. However, these systems are often bulky and require pre-installation. They do not address the needs of a pickup truck owner who only occasionally transports oversized cargo.

[0003] There is a need for a compact cargo system to secure oversized cargo to the open tailgate of a pickup truck. Ideally, the cargo system can be quickly installed and removed to allow for closure of the tailgate before and after use.Summary

[0004] A pickup truck may be described as a vehicle having a body, a passenger compartment, and a cargo area at least partially defined by the body, the cargo area having a front wall, a first sidewall, and opposing second side wall, a floor cooperating with and extending between the front wall and opposing first and second sidewalls, a tailgate assembly adjustable connected to the body and movable relative to the body between a first closed position and at least one second open position. The tailgate assembly includes a structure having an inner wall, a top edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, and a tailgate latch system disposed on the first and second lateral edge operable to latch the tailgate assembly to the body.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a cargo system configured to be reversibly connected to a tailgate of a pickup truck. The cargo system comprises a bar having a first end, a second end, a first latch member connected to the first end, and a second latch member connected to the second end of the bar. The latch members releasably engage the tailgate latch system of the tailgate. Attachment means forInventor: Stefan Schreck securing cargo to the cargo system extent from the bar. The means may include but are not limited to rails, hooks, latches, tracks, loops, bolts, nuts, straps, cables, and clamps. The cargo system is disconnected from the tailgate by unlocking the tailgate latch system. The cargo systems disclosed herein are specifically adapted to secure cargo that extends onto and beyond the tailgate. The systems can be quickly connected to and disconnected from the tailgate without the need for tools.

[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the cargo system has a first collapsed configuration and a second expanded configuration. In the first collapsed configuration, the cargo system is suitable for storage in a compartment of the pickup truck such as the passenger compartment, a storage compartment of the vehicle, or a post-market storage container. In the second expanded configuration, the cargo system is connected to the tailgate of the pickup truck for securing cargo. The cargo system may transition from the second configuration to the first configuration by disassembling the cargo system into two or more parts, by telescoping the bar from an extended length to a collapsed length, or by folding the bar.

[0007] Pickup trucks come in different sizes and configurations. The dimensions of the cargo system of the current disclosure may be configured to conform to the tailgate dimensions and tailgate latch system of a specific model of a pickup truck. Alternatively in another aspect of the present disclosure, the length of the bar and the position of the latch members with respect to the bar may be adjustable to make one configuration of the cargo system compatible with more than one pickup truck model.

[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the cargo system is configured to secure a motorcycle or bicycle having two wheels onto the open tailgate of a pickup truck. The cargo system comprises a bar extending along the inner wall of the open tailgate and latch members connected to the ends of the bar. The latch members releasably engage with the tailgate latch system of the tailgate. A wheel retainer consisting of two parallel vertical surfaces is connected to the bar. One wheel of the motorcycle or bicycle is placed between the two vertical surfaces of the wheel retainer. The vertical surfaces press against the wheel to secure the motorcycle or bicycle in the upright position.Brief Description of Drawings

[0009] FIG 1 illustrates a pickup truck.

[0010] FIG 2 illustrates the tailgate latch system of a pickup truck.Inventor: Stefan Schreck

[0011] FIGS 3A-D illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of the cargo system configured to be reversibly connected to the open tailgate of a pickup truck.

[0012] FIGS 4A-C illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the cargo system partially extending across the inner wall of the tailgate of a pickup truck.

[0013] FIGS 5A-C illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the cargo system having a first collapsed configuration and a second expanded configuration.

[0014] FIGS 6A-C illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the cargo system stamped from a sheet of metal.

[0015] FIGS 7A-B illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the cargo system particularly designed for tailgates placed in a semi-open position.

[0016] FIG 8A illustrates a surfboard secured to the tailgate placed in a semi-open position.

[0017] FIGS 9A-C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a cargo system particularly designed for transporting a bicycle or motorcycle.Detailed Description

[0018] FIG 1 shows an illustration of exemplary pickup truck (100), according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Pickup truck (100) may be described as a vehicle having body (101), passenger compartment (102), and cargo area (103) at least partially defined by body (101).Cargo area (103) comprises front wall (104), first sidewall (105), opposing second side wall (106), floor (107) cooperating with and extending between front wall (104) and opposing first and second sidewalls (105, 106), and tailgate assembly (108) adjustable connected to body (101) and movable relative to body (101) between a first closed position and at least one second open position. Tailgate assembly (108) includes a structure having inner wall (109), top edge (110), first lateral edge (111) and second lateral edge (112), and tailgate latch system (113) disposed on first and second lateral edge (111, 112) operable to latch tailgate assembly (108) to body (101).

[0019] FIG 2 shows exemplary tailgate latch system (200). Tailgate latch system (200) comprises lock assembly (201) and either striker bolt (202) or striker latch (203). In the majority of current pickup truckInventor: Stefan Schreck models, the striker is mounted to the body, and the lock assembly is mounted to the tailgate of the vehicle. This configuration is illustrated in FIG 1. In some newer pickup truck models like the Rivian RT1™, the lock assembly is mounted to the body, and the striker is mounted to the tailgate of the vehicle.

[0020] FIGS 3A-D illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of the cargo system of the present disclosure. Cargo system (300) comprises bar (301) extending across the inner wall of tailgate (302). Latch members (303a-b) are connected to the ends of bar (301). Bar (301) preferably has a low-profile height, preferrable a height of less than one quarter of an inch. Latch members (303a-b) engage lock assemblies (304a-b) of tailgate (302). Loops (305) are connected to bar (301) and extend beyond the top edge of tailgate (302) to provide means of securing cargo. FIG 3A shows cargo system (300) being lowered onto tailgate (302). FIG 3B shows bar (301) resting on the inner wall of tailgate (302), and latch members (303a-b) engaged with lock assembly (304a-b). FIG 3C shows exemplary cargo (306) comprising of lumber boards placed onto floor (307) and secured to loops (305) by straps (308). FIG 3D illustrates additional support elements (309) removably connected to bar (301) to prevent lateral movement of cargo (306). After use, cargo system (300) may be disconnected from tailgate (302) by opening the tailgate latch system. Depending on the specific design of the tailgate lock assembly, latch member (303a-b) may comprise a striker bolt, a striker latch, a lock assembly, or any other suitable construct that releasably engages the respective tailgate latch system component of the tailgate. FIG 3C shows straps (308) as means of securing cargo (306) to loops (305). Alternative means for securing cargo to loops (305) may include but are not limited to ropes, bungee cords, cables, chains, tape, tie straps, and clamps. Besides loops (305), other means of securing cargo to the cargo system may be extending from bar (301) including but not limited to slots, hooks, rails, bolts, magnets, barbs, rings, chains, and threaded connectors.

[0021] FIGS 4A-C illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of the cargo system of the present disclosure. Cargo system (400) comprises of bar (401) extending partially across tailgate (402), loops (404), latch member (403) connected to one end of bar (401), and struts (405a-b) extending from bar (401) and engaging with the bottom edge of tailgate (402) to prevent cargo system (400) from sliding backwards. To collapse cargo system (400) for storage, struts (405a-b) fold onto bar (401) as illustrated in FIG 4B-C.Inventor: Stefan Schreck

[0022] FIGS 5A-C illustrate a third exemplary embodiment of the cargo system designed for compatibility with a wide range of tailgate assembly designs. Cargo system (500) comprises bar elements (501a-b) having L-shaped profiles, latch members (502a-b), adjustable connections (505a-b) and a plurality of eyelets (503) connected to the vertical surfaces of bar elements (50 la-b). Bar elements (501a-b) rest against the inner wall and the top edge of tailgate (506). Bars (501a-b) protect the top edge of the tailgate from potential damage caused by heavy cargo resting on tailgate (506). Bar elements (501a-b) are assembled into a single unit by reversible bolt-nut assembly (504) as illustrated in FIG 5B. Slot (507) in bar element (501b) allows for adjustment of the length of the assembled bar to the width of tailgate (506). FIG 5C illustrates adjustable connection (505a) of latch members (502a). Horizontal slot (511) in bar element (501a) and vertical slot (508) in mounting bracket (509) allow for vertical and horizontal adjustment of the position of latch member (502a). Latch member (502a) is locked in position by reversible bolt-nut assembly (510). Cargo system (500) can be collapsed into a small space by disassembling bar elements (501a-b) and sliding and rotating connectors (505a-b). Collapsed cargo system (500) may be stored in the passenger compartment or any other suitable compartment of the pickup truck.

[0023] FIGs 6A-C illustrate a fourth exemplary embodiment of the cargo system with integrated eyelets for connecting attachment means. Cargo system (600) is comprised of bar elements (601a-b) that are stamped and shaped from a single piece of sheet metal and latch members (602a-b) adjustable connected to bar elements (601a-b). Plurality of eyelets (603) provide attachment means to secure cargo. Bar elements (601a-b) telescope from a collapsed configuration shown in FIG 6C into an expanded configuration shown in FIG 6B. FIG 6D illustrates a bottom view and FIG 6E illustrates a cross- sectional view of bar element (601a). Bar element (601a) rests on the inner wall of tailgate (606). Stops (604) are designed to rest against the top edge of the tailgate assembly. FIGS 7A-C illustrate a fifth exemplary embodiment of the cargo system of the present disclosure configured for tailgates placed in a semi-open position. Some tailgates can be configured to take on a semi-open position between the fully opened and fully closed position as illustrated in FIG 7A. This configuration is sometimes desired to prevent oversized cargo from sliding off the cargo area during transport. Bar element (700) of the cargo system rests on the inner wall and upper edge of tailgate (701). Attachment means comprise of plurality of eyelets (702). The profile of bar element (700) is configured to avoid heavy cargo from applying a bending force onto the edge of bar element (700) when resting on tailgate (701). This is further illustrated in FIG 8 using surfboard (800) as an exemplary oversized cargo. The first end of surfboardInventor: Stefan Schreck(800) rests on floor (801) of cargo area. The second end of surfboard (800) rests on leading edge (803) of tailgate (802).

[0024] FIG 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the cargo system designed to secure a bicycle or a motorcycle to the cargo area of a pickup truck. Cargo system (900) comprises beam (901), latch members (902a-b), and wheel retainer (903) connected to beam (901) as shown in FIG 9A. Wheel retainer (903) secures bicycle (909) to beam (901). FIGS 9B-C show close-up views of wheel retainer (903) comprising two vertical surfaces (904a-b), alignment members (905a-c), threaded rod (906), and threaded knobs (907a-b). Vertical surfaces (904a-b) can be advanced towards each other by turning threaded knobs (907a-b). Alignment elements (905a-b) maintain vertical surfaces (904a-b) in a parallel configuration. Vertical surfaces (904a-b) press against wheel (908) locking wheel (908) into a fixed upright position. It is understood that more than one wheel retainer may be connected to beam (901).

[0025] While the above is a complete description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents may be used. The various features of the embodiments disclosed herein may be combined or substituted with one another. Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limiting in scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.

[0026] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities or dimensions used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0027] The terms "a," "an," "the" and similar referents used in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theInventor: Stefan Schreck plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0028] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0029] Certain embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0030] In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations of the present invention may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and described.

Claims

Inventor: Stefan SchreckWHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A vehicle comprising: a body; a cargo area at least partially defined by the body, the cargo area having a front wall, a first sidewall, and opposing second side wall, a floor cooperating with and extending between the front wall and opposing first and second sidewalls; a tailgate assembly adjustably connected to the body and movable relative to the body between a first closed position and at least one second open position, the tailgate assembly including a structure having an inner wall, a top edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge and a tailgate latch system disposed on the first and second lateral edges operable to latch the tailgate assembly to the body; and a cargo system operatively connected to the tailgate assembly, the cargo system comprising: a bar having a first end and a second end, the bar extending from the first lateral edge of the tailgate assembly along the inner wall of the tailgate assembly to the second lateral edge of the tailgate assembly, each of the first and second ends of the bar includes a latch member configured to releasably engage first and second portions of the tailgate latch system on the first and second lateral edges of the tailgate assembly, and an attachment means disposed between the first end and the second end of the bar for securing cargo.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the attachment means extends beyond the top edge of the tailgate assembly.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the bar contacts the inner wall and the top edge of the tailgate assembly.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the attachment means is comprised of a plurality of eyelets.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the cargo partially rests on the floor of the cargo area.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the attachment means is configured to secure a wheel of a bicycle or a motorcycle in an upright position.Inventor: Stefan Schreck7. A vehicle comprising: a body; a passenger compartment; a cargo area at least partially defined by the body, the cargo area having a front wall, a first sidewall, and opposing second side wall, a floor cooperating with and extending between the front wall and opposing first and second sidewalls; a tailgate assembly adjustably connected to the body and movable relative to the body between a first closed position and at least one second open position, the tailgate assembly including a structure having an inner wall, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge and a tailgate latch system disposed on the first and second lateral edges operable to latch the tailgate assembly to the body; and a cargo system comprising: a bar configured to be placed onto the inner wall of the tailgate assembly, a latch member configured to releasably engage the tailgate latch system of the tailgate assembly, and an attachment means for securing cargo, wherein the cargo system has a first collapsed configuration for storage and a second expanded configuration for operatively connecting to the tailgate assembly.

8. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the cargo system is stored in the passenger compartment of the vehicle when in the first collapsed configuration and the cargo system engages the tailgate latch system when in the second expanded configuration.

9. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein dimensions of the cargo system in the second expanded configuration are adjustable to conform to dimensions of the tailgate assembly.

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