The inventions herein relate generally to storage containers or boxes, and more particularly to utility boxes or storage systems integrated with the cargo bed of a pick-up truck.
Truck bed liners and spray-on liners for truck beds are known and used to protect the surfaces of the truck bed from scratches, dents, and other damage. These liners are typically made of a plastic material.
Tool or utility boxes designed for use in the beds of trucks, and specifically, pick-up trucks to store tools and other equipment are also known. These utility boxes typically include a bin and a lockable lid. Some such utility boxes include dividers, trays, and drawers to compartmentalize the storage area. Many of these storage containers span the width of the truck bed and are supported on the rails. Utility boxes and other storage accessories are also known which have various mechanisms for supporting themselves within a pick-up cargo bed. For example, the utility box can be supported on the bed side walls of a truck so that it is positioned above the floor of the cargo bed. Others are supported on legs to provide a space beneath the box. Some boxes are secured to the truck bed using bolts or anchors extending through truck bed walls. Many of these utility boxes are provided on the interior side walls of the truck bed, but such storage systems take up space within the truck bed, limiting the diverse use of the truck bed. In addition, these systems do not fully utilize the space as they are often installed forward or rearward of the truck's wheel well. In an attempt to solve the space concerns noted above, it is also known to provide storage compartments integrated into the side walls of a truck bed. These storage compartments are limited in size to the size of the truck bed sidewall and are accessible from the exterior of the bed (i.e., on the ground next to the truck). Unfortunately, these storage compartments must be created as part of the original engineering or manufacturing of the vehicle, increase the dimensions of the truck bed side walls, and consequently may also limit the size of the bed.
Accordingly, a need exists for a storage compartment which can be integrated into the truck bed, but which does not significantly impact the available space in the truck bed, and in particular the space between the wheel wells.
A storage system for a pick-up truck is disclosed as shown in the drawings and written description. The storage system includes a primary panel secured to an inside sidewall of the truck cargo bed and extending over a wheel well of the truck. A secondary panel is joined to the primary panel. The primary panel and secondary panel form a container therebetween having an opening which extends over the wheel well of the truck. A lid pivotably connects to either the primary panel or the secondary panel and covers the opening. At least one of the primary panel, secondary panel and lid are of dual wall plastic construction to provide strength and rigidity to the storage system.
Additionally, a storage container for use in the cargo bed of a pick-up truck is disclosed. The storage container has a bin defining a storage compartment. The bin includes an upper rim defining an opening into the storage compartment. The bin also includes a back wall, two side walls, a base and a front wall. A lid is pivotally secured to the bin so as to contact the upper rim and cover the opening into the storage compartment when the lid is in a closed position.
An alternative storage system for a truck is also disclosed. The storage system includes an upper storage container and a lid pivotable to open and close the upper storage container. A lower storage container is provided, seated below the upper storage container and having an access door which is movable to open and close the lower storage container.
These and other features and advantages of devices, systems, and methods according to this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed descriptions of various examples of embodiments and the drawings and illustrations thereof.
Various examples of embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods according to this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein:
It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary to the understanding of the invention or render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.
As illustrated in the Figures, a storage container 100 or storage system is provided which, in the arrangement shown in the Figures, is designed for use in one or more examples as a utility box for a vehicle. More specifically, the storage container 100 is for use with a truck 102, such as a pick-up truck (see
In the illustrated embodiment, the truck cargo bed 104 is standard and its construction is known to those skilled in the art. Briefly, as shown in
As shown in
The storage container 100, in one or more examples of embodiments, is shown as provided or used in an area (or areas if two such containers are provided) covering or overlapping the wheel well(s) 106 in the bed 104 of the truck 102. However, it is contemplated that storage containers may be provided for use with the headwall or front wall 112, floor 108 and/or tailgate 118. The storage container 100 design is adaptable to any specific bed design and bed length. While the container 100 may be installed during manufacture of the vehicle, it is preferably an aftermarket part which is installed post manufacture. The storage container 100 preferably substantially maintains the standard bed width of the truck bed 104, and in particular the distance between the wheel wells 106, and integrates with standard and optional bed features.
Referring to
Additional accessories may be provided which are coupled to or integral with the storage container 100. For example, a frame and access panel sub-assembly 128 may be provided which provides additional storage or alternatively, provides a structure surrounding or covering an electrical outlet (not shown). The frame 130 can be formed from or integral with the primary panel 120. Additionally, as can be seen in the Figures, one or more tie downs 132 or loops may be provided in the storage container 100 or alternatively apertures may be provided in the primary panel 120 such that tie downs 132 such as loops or other structure provided on the truck bed 104 extend through apertures in the panel, e.g., panel 120. One or more open storage bins with netting partially or completely forming one or more walls (not shown) for retention of stored articles may also be used in one or more examples of embodiments.
Referring to
It can be observed from
The primary panel 120 also includes one or more widened clearance areas 150 and one or more lights or windows or lenses 152 useable to provide light to the interior 116 of the bin. In one exemplary embodiment, the lenses 152 permit natural light or light from the vehicle lighting system to enter the interior 116 of the bin. In the alternative, lights, such as but not limited to LED lights, may also be provided. The primary panel also has various attachment apertures 154, permitting an attachment device or fastener 156, such as shown in
Referring further to
Referring again to
As indicated, the storage container 100 also includes a lid 124. Referring to
The lid 124 has a curved or angled shape. To this end, the lid 124 has a first segment 178 and a second segment 180. The second segment 180 is provided at an angle to the first segment 178. Preferably, the angle between the first and second segments 178, 180 is an angle other than 180 degrees, e.g., an angle less than 180 degrees, and in one example preferably approximately 90 degrees. As a result, when in the closed position (shown in
The dual wall lid 124 also may have one or more ribs 182, or other structure which provides added structural rigidity to the lid 124 when the two sheets thereof are fused together during the forming operation as previously described with respect to the primary panel 120 and the secondary panel 122. As can be seen in
In the illustrated example, the lid 124 is hingedly connected to a top portion 192 of the secondary panel 122. However, the lid 124 may be otherwise connected to the primary panel 120 or another structure without departing from the overall scope of the present invention. In the illustrated example, the lid 124 is pivotally mounted to the front wall or secondary panel 122 with a fixed hinge 194. More specifically, the lid 124 is secured to one “wing” of a hinge 194. A second wing of the hinge 194 is also secured to the secondary panel 122. In one or more examples of embodiments, the hinge 194 is secured to the lid 124 and panel by one or more ringed or threaded fasteners 196. However, variations thereon may be suitable for the purposes provided. The hinge 194 illustrated in the Figures is a common “piano” type hinge, but alternative hinges, more than one hinge, and other various means of pivotably securing the components together may be acceptable. As a non-limiting example, the secondary panel 122 and lid 124 may be joined by a “living” flexible plastic hinge integral or connected to the secondary panel 122 and the lid 124. The lid 124 is connected such that it opens by rotating into or toward the center of the truck bed 104. As indicated, the lid 124, optionally, includes a seal or gasket surrounding an outer edge of the lid 124, useful for preventing water and other environmental elements from entering the closed container 100.
The lid 124 also includes a lock sub-assembly 198. The lock sub-assembly 198 includes a locking mechanism 200 and a corresponding latch bracket assembly 202. The latch bracket assembly 202 is secured to the lid 124 and holds the locking mechanism 200. As shown in
Referring to
Referring to
One or more examples of assembly of the storage container 100 will now be described in reference to the drawings. The panels and various accessories of the storage container 100 may be assembled together and then placed into the vehicle bed 104, or alternatively may be installed directly or individually in the vehicle bed 104. The primary panel 120 is placed along the sidewall and over the wheel well 106 of the truck bed 104. The primary panel 120 may be attached to the sidewall of the truck bed 104 by any suitable means, including the previously described backwall locking flanges 137 secured to the truck sidewall by retaining rail 111. The secondary panel 122 is secured to the primary panel 120 using the mechanisms described above. The lid 124 may be secured to the secondary panel 122 with a hinge 194. Various additional accessories may be added to the primary panel 120 as described herein, such as but not limited to, the outlet shroud and access door 206.
Once installed, a user may access the interior of the storage container 100 or bin by pivoting or rotating the lid 124 about its hinge 194 from the closed position (
Advantageously, the storage container described herein is integrated into the truck bed, but does not significantly impact the available space in the truck bed, and in particular the space between the truck wheel wells 106. As a result, for example, standard sheets of plywood will still fit flat between wheel wells. Moreover, the storage container is easy to install and remove, and does not require damage to the truck bed as a drill is not required for installation. The storage container is also water tight, protecting the contents from the environment and allowing users to use the container like a cooler. The storage container may include lenses and/or lighting, increasing visibility within the container. The storage container is also adaptable for use with a vehicle on which it is installed, accommodating vehicle lighting and power outlet(s), and providing programmable locks to match the vehicle key.
As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that functional insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.
It should be noted that references to relative positions (e.g., “top” and “bottom”) in this description are merely used to identify various elements as are oriented in the Figures. It should be recognized that the orientation of particular components may vary greatly depending on the application in which they are used.
For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.
It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system, methods, and devices as shown in the various examples of embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements show as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, particularly to accommodate the manufactured dimensions of any past or future marketed truck bed, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied (e.g. by variations in the number of engagement slots or size of the engagement slots or type of engagement). The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various examples of embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present inventions.
While this invention has been described in conjunction with the examples of embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently foreseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the examples of embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents.
The technical effects and technical problems in the specification are exemplary and are not limiting. It should be noted that the embodiments described in the specification may have other technical effects and can solve other technical problems.
This application claims the benefit of the disclosure of U. S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/345,426, filed on Jun. 3, 2016, entitled “Dual Wall Truck Bed Liner,” the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62345426 | Jun 2016 | US |