Abstract: A hinge system that can be installed within a storage compartment causes an initial downward displacement of a leading edge of a door panel when the door panel is initially opened outwardly. This enables the leading edge to slide under and around an overlapping upper door lip of the storage compartment. A seal may be provided in the overlapping portion of the door panel to assist with weatherproofing. A further seal compression position may be provided in which the door panel is rotated inwardly from the closed position to compress the seal.

Abstract: A hidden storage for vehicles such as vans and utility/sports utility vehicles without altering the external appearance of the vehicle. The hidden storage is located adjacent one or both sides of the vehicle between a rearmost side door and the rear of the vehicle. The hidden storage is accessible only via one or more hinged side panel sections of the vehicle, and access to the interior of the vehicle does not provide access to the hidden storage area. The hidden storage is provided by a storage box secured to the side of the vehicle and the interior of the storage box is only accessible through opening of an associated hinged section of the side panel of the vehicle, which can be locked shut.

Abstract: A vehicle bed having hinged side panel sections which provides side access to the interior of the bed or to a storage system mounted adjacent the hinged side panel sections. The bed additionally is provided with hinged trim panels located below the hinged side panel sections. The vehicle bed may be provided with support structures of a yoke type or a collapsible beam type. The hinged side panel sections may be hinged by piano type or spring-loaded type hinges to open upwardly, downwardly or sideways, and may include a collapsible mechanism for moving a side panel section outwardly and upwardly. The hinged side panel sections are retained in a closed position by either an electrical or mechanical actuated lock/latch mechanism, which is preferably hidden from view, but which may include an exposed key slot or surface flush handle.

Abstract: A hidden storage system for a truck bed located in the side panels of the bed and constructed such that one viewing the bed side panels cannot easily discern that there is a storage area behind the side panels. The only access to the storage area is via at least one of the side panel hinged sections or one or more sliding compartments. The storage/side panels of the hidden storage system may each be formed as a single modular unit or formed from a storage box with an opening therein secured to a side panel, with at least one hinged section therein. The storage/side panels include a collapsible support rail to prevent rear impact from driving the rail into the truck cab. In addition, a collapsible beam system may be positioned under the bed to prevent damage to any fuel tank under the bed when the bed is impacted from the side. Also, the storage system includes “door-ajar” indicator means for the hinged panel sections or the sliding compartments of the storage system.

Abstract: A hidden storage for vehicles such as vans and utility/sports utility vehicles without altering the external appearance of the vehicle. The hidden storage is located adjacent one or both sides of the vehicle between a rearmost side door and the rear of the vehicle. The hidden storage is accessible only via one or more hinged side panel sections of the vehicle, and access to the interior of the vehicle does not provide access to the hidden storage area. The hidden storage is provided by a storage box secured to the side of the vehicle and the interior of the storage box is only accessible through opening of an associated hinged section of the side panel of the vehicle, which can be locked shut.

Abstract: A hidden storage system incorporated in the bed of a vehicle without altering the bed's external appearance. The storage system is located adjacent the wheel well sections of the bed, and uses hinges to open and close the fender/side panel of the bed. Since the storage system does not alter the truck's external appearance, it reduces the attraction for theft. Also, since the storage area does not extend inwardly beyond the conventional wheel wells, the storage system leaves most of the truck bed free for use. The hidden storage system is incorporated into the bed by either an initial fabrication method or a conversion method using an existing bed.

Abstract: A hidden storage for vehicles such as pickups, trucks, vans and utility/sports, utility and emergency vehicles without altering the external appearance of the vehicle. The hidden storage is located in one or both sides of the vehicle between a rearmost side door and the rear of the vehicle or in the vehicle bed. The hidden storage is accessible only via one or more hinged side panel sections of the vehicle, and access to the interior of the vehicle does not provide access to the hidden storage area. The hidden storage may be provided by a storage box secured to the side of the vehicle and the interior of the storage box is only accessible through opening of an associated hinged section of the side panel of the vehicle, which can be locked shut. The hidden storage may also be provided via a modular construction of the side panels. A mechanism is provided for opening, closing and retaining closed the one or more hinged side panel sections.

Abstract: A hidden storage for vehicles such as pickups, trucks, vans and utility/sports, utility and emergency vehicles without altering the external appearance of the vehicle. The hidden storage is located adjacent one or both sides of the vehicle between a rearmost side door and the rear of the vehicle or in the vehicle bed. The hidden storage is accessible only via one or more hinged side panel sections of the vehicle, and access to the interior of the vehicle does not provide access to the hidden storage area. The hidden storage is provided by a storage box secured to the side of the vehicle and the interior of the storage box is only accessible through opening of an associated hinged section of the side panel of the vehicle, which can be locked shut.

Abstract: A hidden storage system incorporated in the bed of a vehicle without altering the bed's external appearance or various contours thereof, and without revealing the storage system by assembly of modules containing various individual components. The storage system is located adjacent the wheel well sections of the bed, and uses hinges to open and close fender/side panel sections of the bed, either upwardly, downwardly or sideways. Since the storage system does not alter the truck's external appearance, it reduces the attraction for theft. Also, since the storage area does not extend inwardly beyond the conventional wheel wells, the storage system leaves most of the truck bed free for use. The hidden storage system may incorporated into the bed of various side panel configurations without detracting from the appearance of the side panels configurations.

Abstract: A hidden storage system incorporated in the bed of a vehicle without altering the bed's external appearance or various contours thereof, and without revealing the storage system by assembly of modules containing various individual components. The storage system is located adjacent the wheel well sections of the bed, and uses hinges to open and close fender/side panel sections of the bed, either upwardly, downwardly or sideways. Since the storage system does not alter the truck's external appearance, it reduces the attraction for theft. Also, since the storage area does not extend inwardly beyond the conventional wheel wells, the storage system leaves most of the truck bed free for use. The hidden storage system may be incorporated into the bed of various side panel configurations without detracting from the appearance of the side panels configurations.

Abstract: A hidden storage system incorporated in the bed of a vehicle without altering the bed's external appearance, either by assembly of individual components or modules containing various individual components. The storage system is located adjacent the wheel well sections of the bed, and uses hinges to open and close the fender/side panel of the bed, either upwardly or downwardly. Since the storage system does not alter the truck's external appearance, it reduces the attraction for theft. Also, since the storage area does not extend inwardly beyond the conventional wheel wells, the storage system leaves most of the truck bed free for use. The hidden storage system may incorporated into the bed by conversion of an existing bed as well as by an initial fabrication method.

Abstract: An anti-freezing seal for vehicle compartments, doors, trunks, etc. In cold climates, one of the problems is freezing shut of vehicle doors, for example, due to the moisture which accumulates on the seals during the daytime and then freezes at night. This is a problem for all vehicle compartment lids using seals to prevent leakage of moisture or dust into the compartment and can be resolved by heated or vacuum actuated seals. A heated anti-icing seal may be similar in construction with various existing compartment lid or door seals, which include a bulb or compression section, means for attaching the bulb to a compartment flange, a reflective shield, heat strip, and electrical wires or electric clips adapted to be connected to a DC or AC power supply via, for example, a switch, thermostat, and timer. The attaching means may be an adhesive or a seal setting flange compartment having grippers.

Abstract: A hidden storage system is incorporated in the bed of a vehicle without altering the bed's external appearance. The storage system is located adjacent the wheel well sections of the bed, and uses hinges to open and close the fender/side panel of the bed. Since the storage system does not alter the truck's external appearance, it reduces the attraction for theft. Also, since the storage area does not extend inwardly beyond the conventional wheel wells, the storage system leaves most of the truck bed free for use. The hidden storage system is incorporated into the bed by either an initial fabrication method or a conversion method using an existing bed. Collapsible support beams are located under the bed and upon impact the beams collapse rather than bending, thereby preventing rupture of a fuel tank typically located beneath the bed.

Abstract: A vehicle bed having at least a floor and side panels, and within which is mounted a collapsible material carrier and a hidden storage system. The material carrier may be constructed to rest upon the storage system when in its collapsed position without removal. The vehicle bed may include a collapsible support structure located beneath the floor, and hinged sections of the side panels forming access to the bed or to the hidden storage system. The storage system includes various shelving and compartment arrangements, and may include a drain/air relief valve. The hinged sections of the side panels may be provided with a strut assembly or spring-loaded hinges for maintaining same in an open position.

Abstract: A vehicle bed having hinged side panel sections which provides side access to the interior of the bed or to a storage system mounted adjacent the hinged side panel sections. The side panel sections may include inner and outer panels. The bed additionally is provided with hinged trim panels located below the hinged side panel sections. The vehicle bed may be provided with support structures of a yoke type or a collapsible beam type. The hinged side panel sections may be hinged by piano type or spring-loaded type hinges to open upwardly, downwardly or sideways, and may include a collapsible mechanism for moving a side panel section outwardly and upwardly. The hinged side panel sections may include both the inner and outer panels or the outer panel alone with the inner panel being removed.

Abstract: A hidden storage system incorporated in the bed of a vehicle without altering the bed's external appearance. The storage system is located adjacent the wheel well sections of the bed, and uses hinges to open and close the fender/side panel of the bed. Since the storage system does not alter the truck's external appearance, it reduces the attraction for theft. Also, since the storage area does not extend inwardly beyond the conventional wheel wells, the storage system leaves most of the truck bed free for use. The hidden storage system is incorporated into the bed by either an initial fabrication method or a conversion method using an existing bed. The hidden storage system may consist of a single assembly composed of a storage box and hinged side panel location on at least one side of the bed.

Abstract: A strut assembly for retaining a section of a vehicle in open position, and may be of an insulated type, heated type, or insulated and heated type, for use in a variety of varying temperature applications. The strut assembly may be connected to a power source of a vehicle and include a thermostatic control for maintaining a coil or one or more heating strips mounted in the strut assembly at a desired temperature. A protective sleeve or boot is provided about the plunger of the strut assembly. The strut assembly may be mounted to retain hinged side panels of a vehicle bed in an open position, with the bed being provided with collapsible support members therebeneath to provide added safety from side impacts.

Abstract: A hidden storage system is incorporated in the bed of a vehicle without altering the bed's external appearance and the bed is provided with collapsible support beams. The storage system is located adjacent the wheel well sections of the bed, and uses hinges to open and close the fender/side panel of the bed. The collapsible support beams provide a support/safety mechanism if impacted from the side. Since the storage system does not alter the truck's external appearance, it reduces the attraction for theft. Also, since the storage area does not extend inwardly beyond the conventional wheel wells, the storage system leaves most of the truck bed free for use. The hidden storage system is incorporated into the bed by either an initial fabrication method or a conversion method using an existing bed.

Abstract: A strut assembly for retaining a section of a vehicle in open position, and may be of an insulated type, heated type, or insulated and heated type, for use in a variety of varying temperature applications. The strut assembly may be connected to a power source of a vehicle and include a thermostatic control for maintaining a coil or one or more heating strips mounted in the strut assembly at a desired temperature. A protective sleeve or boot is provided about the plunger of the strut assembly. The strut assembly may be mounted to retain hinged side panels of a vehicle bed in an open position, with the bed being provided with collapsible support members therebeneath to provide added safety from side impacts.

Abstract: A hidden storage is for vehicles such as vans and utility/sports utility vehicles without altering the external appearance of the vehicle. The hidden storage is located adjacent one or both sides of the vehicle between a rearmost side door and the rear of the vehicle. The hidden storage is accessible only via one or more hinged contoured side panel sections of the vehicle and which include at least one peripheral edge, and access to the interior of the vehicle does not provide access to the hidden storage area. The hidden storage is provided by a storage box secured to the side of the vehicle and the interior of the storage box is only accessible through opening of an associated hinged section of the side panel of the vehicle, which can be locked shut.