Patent Application
20220126929
The present invention relates to a system and method for modifying a tailgate.
Vehicles, such as trucks, often have tailgates. However, the tailgates are generally non-planar and unusable. Consequently, there is a need to modify existing tailgates.
The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.
The panel 101 can comprise virtually any material. It can comprise metal, plastic, wood, rubber, and combinations thereof. The thickness of the panel 101 can vary as well depending upon the desired application. In one embodiment the panels are 5051 aluminum plates. The panels can range in thickness depending upon application. As an example, small truck panels can have a thickness of ⅛ of an inch and larger panels can comprise 3/16 of an inch. The panels can be manufactured via any method or device known in the art. In one embodiment they are laser cut from plate sheets. They are then deburred and powder coated, in one embodiment.
As shown the panel 101 is substantially planar. The dimensions of the panel 101 can vary depending upon the application and the size of the tailgate 103 that it is modifying. For example, a Toyota Tacoma has a tailgate 103 with dimensions which vary from a Ford F-150. The panel 101 can be used with any tailgate. This includes a tailgate on trucks, sport utility vehicles, all terrain vehicles, side-by-sides, etc. The panel 101 converts an unusable tailgate 103 surface into a usable space.
As shown the panel 101 comprises at least one coupler void 108. As depicted there is a plurality of coupler voids 108. As shown there is a plurality of coupler voids 108 spaced along the outer periphery of the panel 101. In one embodiment at least one coupler void 108 is completely surrounded by material in the panel 101. In other embodiments all of the coupler voids 108 are completely surrounded by material in the panel 101. The coupler voids 108 are holes or voids through which a coupler 104 can be inserted. In one embodiment the coupler voids 108 align with similar voids on the tailgate 103. In one embodiment, the number and spacing of the coupler voids 108 is dependent upon the voids located on the tailgate 103.
As shown, the panel 101 further comprises a cup holder void 106. A cup holder void 106 is a void in the panel 101 into which a cup holder or cup can be inserted. As shown the void 106 is completely surrounded by material. As shown, the cup holder void 106 is a void, or absence of material, in the panel 101. In one embodiment, and as depicted, the cup holder void 106 is circular. In one embodiment the cup holder void 106 is laser cut.
As depicted in
In one embodiment the cup holder 107 is separate and removable from the panel 101. In other embodiments, however, the cup holder 107 is not removably coupled from the panel 101 but is, for example, integrally made. The cup holder 107 can comprise virtually any cup holder known in the art. In one embodiment the cup holder 107 is rubber or plastic. The cup holder 107 can couple with the cup holder void 106 via any method or device known in the art. In one embodiment the cup holder 107 couples to the cup holder void 106 via friction. In other embodiments the insert couples to the panel 101 via couplers such as screws, bolts, etc.
A method of installing a panel 101 will be described in reference to one embodiment. As noted above, however, tailgates vary so this description of installation is for one type of tailgate and should not be deemed limiting.
Turing back to
The tailgate 103 depicted in
The tailgate 103 depicted in
Turning now to
Turning to
The resulting tailgate 103 in
Tailgates are located at a height that offers a workspace for the user. However, as previously noted, previous bumpy tailgate skins offered a surface which was unworkable. The substantially flat and planar surface of the panel 101 offers a superior workspace. A user can set tools or objects upon the panel 101 without having them fall due to the bumpy surface. Further, the planar panel 101 is more comfortable to sit.
As shown, in some embodiments the panel 101 comprises cup holders 107. Cup holders 107 offer a safe and secure location to store a drink without fear of it tipping or getting knocked down. Thus, the cup holder 107 secures the drink in a desired location. As noted, in one embodiment the cup holders 107 comprises a circular cross-section. Virtually any number of cup holders can be utilized. There can be a single cup holder, or multiple cup-holders as shown. In one embodiment the system comprises a cup holder covering. A cup holder covering is a cup holder insert which has a top. Thus, rather than having a cup holder, the cup holder covering provides a flat planar surface which extends over the cup holder void. This allows users who do not want a cup holder, but instead want a flat surface, to convert the cup holder to a flat planar surface without a hole for a cup holder.
As previously noted, users often work at or sit upon a tailgate. Having the ability to store a drink at a location where it will not spill or get accidentally knocked over is a significant advantage. Whether the user is sitting upon the tailgate, or working on or around the tailgate, a cup holder 107 provides the user an opportunity and location to safety and securely store a beverage.
While the figures show a panel with two cup holders 107, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. In other embodiments, for example, the panel 101 will not have any cup holders. Instead, the user simply desires a flat planar surface. In other embodiments the panel 101 will have only a single cup holder, whereas in other embodiments, and as depicted, the panel 101 will have more than two cup holders. The number of cup holders 107 will be dependent upon the users desired configuration.
Additionally, the placement of the cup holders can vary. In one embodiment one cup holder is placed on each end of the panel 101, as depicted. In other embodiments, however, two cup holders are placed adjacent a single end. As with the number of cup holders, this is dependent upon the user's desired configuration.
While a circular cup holder has been shown, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. For example, in some embodiments a square or rectangular void will be utilized that can house either a cup or a tool or other product. Furthermore, as noted above, the insert which couples with the cup holder void 106, can be a cup holder 107 but can also comprise other inserts. The insert can have an open top, like the cup holder 107, or it can have a closed top, such as a cooler or toolbox. In one embodiment the insert comprises a lid which can be opened or closed. As an example, the void may be sized to house a jack or other tools. The insert is sized to fit within the void and house the desired item. As noted, the insert can comprise a lid or other locking mechanism to lock its contents. In one embodiment the lid is flush, or approximately flush, with the surrounding panel. In such embodiments, the lid of the insert can close such that the lid is flush. Thus, the insert provides an opportunity to house other items such as a jack, tool, personal belongings, etc.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The present invention claims priority to Provisional Application No. 63/105,017 filed Oct. 23, 2020, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63105017 | Oct 2020 | US |
