Abstract: A chest for storing, carrying and serving foodstuffs specifically designed for use in conjunction with recreational activities such as tailgating. The chest includes five rigid walls defining a volume of storage space and a unique cover moveable between an open and closed position relative to the five rigid walls. The cover is pivotally mounted to one of the rigid walls and is formed of a plurality of sectional parts pivotally attached to one another. The chest also includes compartments designed for holding various items and containers. The chest can be removably and replaceably secured to the tailgate of a vehicle using a mounting structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a storage container (26) having a security system for mounting within a bed (22) of a vehicle (20). The security system my be operated by a vehicle battery (34) and include an alarm system utilizing the safety equipment of the vehicle such as a horn (36) and a parking light (38). The container includes a lower portion (30) and an upper portion (28) containing a security system (64). Lower portion 30 includes a pair of spaced end walls (42) connected together by a pair of side walls (43). The security system includes an alarm including plunger switches (66, 68) connected to an alarm control module (70), a key operated entry lock (76) and a remotely operated solenoid lock release (78). Unless disarmed, the alarm becomes activated whenever the lid of the storage container is opened.

Abstract: A storage box for mounting in the rear end of a pick up truck by extending laterally across the rear end of the truck. The truck has a towing hitch mounted to the rear of the truck immediately in front of the box, and a 5th wheel trailer has an elonated towing arm fixed to its front end which can be detachably mounted to the hitch of the truck while extending over the top of the storage box. The storage box has a bottom receptacle portion and a top cover portion pivotally mounted to the bottom portion. The cover portion has a depression intermediate the ends of the cover whereby the cover portion may be pivoted upward and the towing arm may be received in the depression in the cover portion while the ends of the cover portion may be beside the towing arm to enable the ends of the cover portion to have a greater depth and the cover portion to pivot upward at a greater angle for easier access into the bottom of the box.

Abstract: An improved truck bed extender particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. When not being used to extend the truck bed, the extender is advantageously adapted to quickly and easily create a secondary storage area. In one embodiment, the extender includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mount. The connecting wall extends between the first side wall and the second side wall, and cooperates with the first side wall and second side wall to form a generally U-shape frame. The first mount is secured to the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. The second mount is secured to the second side wall and comprises a second interlocking member.

Abstract: An interlocking arrangement of storage boxes in the rear section of a passenger vehicle such as a sport utility vehicle. The arrangement preferably includes at least three storage boxes. Two of the boxes are respectively secured to the side walls of the vehicle. These side boxes are spaced from each other and the third box is slidably receivable between them. In the preferred embodiment, the third box has lips on its sides that respectively interlock with lips on the two side boxes to prevent the third box from being removed by lifting it upwardly between the two side boxes. Forward stops on the side boxes prevent the third box from being moved forwardly beyond the side boxes and the vehicle's tailgate in its closed position serves to prevent the third box from being moved rearwardly out of the vehicle. In this manner and with the tailgate in its locked, closed position, the three interlocking storage boxes are securely held in place.

Abstract: The invention provides a tool or utility box for use in the cargo bed of a pick-up truck. The utility box includes spaced apart legs that provide a space beneath the box to accommodate sheet material and that are hollow to provide drainage compartments to collect water so that it can be effectively drained from the utility box. The utility box also includes ribbed walls that provide slots for receiving dividers, and trays can be supported inside or outside of the utility box and secured against movement by detents.

Abstract: A molded combination storage unit and truck bed liner. A cover which is mounted on rollers and is rearwardly slidable. Storage compartments are defined below the cover. Panels or partitions may be inserted at spaced-apart locations to form subcompartments between the cover and the floor. The panels reinforce the cover to permit heavier loads to be carried on the cover. In alternate embodiments, the cover may be hinged and slidable drawers may be inserted into the storage compartments.

Abstract: A linear motor driven transport system of an improved design is presented. The conventional roller configuration for holding the transport vehicle on the rail track has been replaced with a spring-loaded design so as to maintain the contact between the roller and the rail surface regardless of the curvatures in the routing track. Weighing device of an improved direct-loading design is adopted to improve the ruggedness of the device. Devices for controlling the positioning of the transport vehicle, including the carrier, have been simplified and the number of component pieces reduced to lower the cost of manufacturing the transport system. The container and track configurations have also been modified to enable efficient track set-up and loading/unloading of goods in complex track routing in a limited space.

Abstract: A molded shell with a hinged cover for carrying ballast or other items in pick-up truck beds. The shell is designed to fit into the bed of a truck and is formed to fit around the wheel wells. The shell is designed to be half the height of the side walls. This permits large flat objects to be placed on top of the container for convenient hauling. The entire lid is hinged in the front end (i.e., the end nearest the cab). This allows the entire hinge to be lifted and opened, giving access to the entire shell. A second hinge is provided that allows the rear one-third of the lid to open. This gives access to the back of the storage unit from the tailgate. This door can be used to remove sand to place under the wheels if more traction is needed, for example. It also can be used for quick access to frequently used items.

Abstract: A tool box locking device includes a base plate secured to opposing side walls in an interior of a tool box. The base plate has a pair of slots formed therethrough on opposing sides thereof. A pivot shaft is secured to the base plate between the pair of slots formed therethrough. The pivot shaft has end portions extending over the pair of slots through the base. A U-shaped handle has free ends thereof pivotally coupled with the end porions of the pivot shaft. A U-shaped locking bar is positionable at an exterior of the tool box with free ends thereof extending inwardly of the tool box through the slots thereof and through the slots of the base plate to be pivotally coupled with the free ends of the U-shaped handle. A locking mechanism is included for selectively locking of the U-shaped handle.

Abstract: A truck storage box device for use in the bed of a pick-up truck, having a bottom, and a plurality of interconnected sides extending upward from the periphery of the bottom which intersect to provide an open top for access to the interior formed between the bottom and the sides. The bottom and sides form an open container in which a plurality of spaced pairs of opposed, elongated rails extend horizontally along opposite interior wall portions thereof in a spaced relationship with the bottom. Each pair of opposed rails is arranged to slidably receive and support a number of elongated trays thereon. Each of the trays is arranged to extend between pairs of opposed rails. Collectively, the pairs of opposed rails form a vertical array in which a number of trays can be supported on each pair of opposed rails in a vertically stacked arrangement from which one or more intermediate trays may selectively be slid horizontally from within the stacked vertical arrangement for access to their particular contents.

Abstract: A method of attaching a load carrying bag inside the body of a pickup truck. The method requires first installing a tonneau cover which utilizes a rail with snaps, the rail is attached to the top edge of the truck body walls. The load carrying bags are equipped with straps extending upward from the back of the bag. The bag is place in the body of the truck body and the straps are extended over the side walls of the truck body. Snaps on the end of the straps are engaged with snaps added to the rail.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as a pick-up truck, having a cargo bed is provided with one or more openings which pass through side walls of the bed to provide access to the interior of the bed without the need to reach over the top edge of the side walls. Frames are disposed within the openings to line the peripheries thereof, the frames extending between inner and outer panels which make up the side walls. A hinged door is fitted to each opening to close of the opening when desired. Compartment covers may be installed inside of the bed to form storage compartments accessible through the openings. The storage compartments do not interfere with fitting of a cover or cap over the top of the bed, and are located so as to be compatible with other vehicle usages such as carriage of a bed-mounted camper unit or towing of a fifth-wheel trailer.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for anchoring a tool box to a pick-up truck bed utilizing struts attaching between opposing sidewall portions of the truck bed such that the box is anchored out of contact with truck bed surfaces.

Abstract: A container (20) suitable for use as a truck box for a pick-up truck, includes a base container portion (21) having an open top, and a cover (22) to close the open top. The cover (22) is pivotally attached to the base (21) by hinge mechanisms (23) which are uniquely formed by combining a hinge pin assembly (101) with a pin retaining assembly (102). The cover (22) may also be latched to the base (21) by a latch assembly (24) which includes pivotable handles (56, 57) on each end of the base (21) which, when either is pivoted, rotates latch hooks (68, 74) from a position engaging the cover (22) to a position releasing the cover, without moving the other handle. The container (20) may also receive a tray (150) therein positionable on a ledge (30) and positively located in one direction by ribs (159) and in the other direction by feet (162) positioned in depressions (38) formed between ribs (37) on the inside of the base (21).

Abstract: A chest for use in a pickup truck includes a chest bottom forming a compartment and having a rim extending around its open upper end. A chest top includes a frame adapted to matingly fit against the rim of the chest bottom and forms at least one frame opening therein. A chest lid is hinged to the chest top and is sized to fit in covering relation over the frame opening. The top frame and the chest bottom are detachably secured together.

Abstract: An interlocking panel truck bed liner comprises a horizontal grid base formed in a solid planar rectangular configuration. The base has an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface includes coupling devices to permit affixation to the floor of a truck bed. The upper surface has a plurality of perpendicularly intersecting, rectangular-shaped horizontal grooves. Four vertical sidewall liners are each formed in a solid planar rectangular configuration with a front surface and a rear surface. The rear surface of each sidewall liner includes coupling devices to permit vertical affixation to the sidewalls and tailgate of a truck. The front surface of each sidewall liner includes vertical grooves positioned in alignment with the grooves in the grid base. A plurality of interlocking panels are each formed in a planar rectangular configuration. Each panel has two identical surfaces. The panels are positioned vertically in an operative orientation and include a plurality of coupling devices.

Abstract: A liner for the loading and unloading of objects for use with a rear-opening truck bed. In use, the liner lies flat and occupies virtually the entire surface area of the truck bed. The liner can be gripped and pulled towards the rear opening of the truck and folded downwardly to enable the user to pull the liner toward the rear opening to access objects which would otherwise be difficult to reach.

Abstract: A storage enclosure for a motor vehicle having a loadbed defined by opposed sidewalls, a load deck and a rear closure, such as a tailgate, includes a generally horizontal top wall extending between the loadbed sidewalls and a depending front wall having a hinged wall portion which may be positioned extending generally horizontally above the deck to form an enclosure space forward of the tailgate when in its closed position. The hinged wall portion may be positioned to extend vertically downwardly from the front wall at its hinge connection to increase the size of the enclosure space defined between the top wall and the load deck, the opposed sidewalls and the tailgate in its closed position. The hinged wall portion may be locked in either working position. The enclosure top wall may be secured to the opposed loadbed sidewalls at stake recesses and the front wall may have opposed recesses to accommodate the loadbed sidewall beam portions.

Abstract: A storage system for a vehicle having a floor and a wheel well defined in the floor includes a compartment-defining structure having a pivot for pivotally attaching the structure to the vehicle for movement between a first position wherein the structure straddles the wheel well and a second position wherein the structure is located generally adjacent the wheel well on the vehicle floor. A compartment defined by the compartment-defining structure is accessible in one or both of the first and second positions. In one aspect, the compartment-defining structure includes a curved sidewall shaped to be mateably positioned over the wheel well when in said first position, and an outer sidewall spaced from the curved sidewall defining one or more compartments between the two sidewalls. In another aspect, the compartment-defining structure includes an elastic fence allowing access to the compartments in the compartment-defining structure when in the raised position.

Abstract: A cargo box is provided that is installed between the bed and cap of a pickup. The cargo box includes a lid, sides, and a back panel, with the lid being hingably mounted to the cab. The cargo box extends laterally across the width of the bed and forms a sealed chamber to isolate its contents from the environment. The rear side of the cargo box and the front side of the bed include aligned openings therethrough to receive long items. The front of the box includes an opening to allow an individual within the cab access to the contents of the box.

Abstract: A tailgate toolbox assembly for a pickup truck includes a toolbox having an attachment member mounted on an inner side of the pickup tailgate and a tool storage compartment pivotally hinged to the attachment member. The attachment member and tool storage compartment both extend substantially the length of the tailgate. The toolbox also has supports extending between the tool storage compartment and the attachment member at each end of the tailgate. The tailgate toolbox assembly further includes a rigid cover, such as a tread plate, for the toolbox. The tread cover plate is shaped to protect the toolbox and to permit mobile equipment to be loaded and unloaded thereover onto the pickup bed. The toolbox assembly being attached to the tailgate and in a closed position can be moved downward until horizontal and the tool storage compartment can then be pivoted upward until vertical to reveal tools stored therein.

Abstract: An auto trunk organizer comprising a cabinet member, a storage member, and mechanism for detachably securing the storage member to the cabinet member. The cabinet member has an outer housing enclosing an interior cavity, a plurality of draw members having draw latching mechanisms, and at least one pivoting door member having a latching mechanism. The storage member is portable and includes multiple, separate compartments suitable for storing documents. The storage member preferably includes an accordion type file folder. The attachment mechanism is connected between the cabinet member and the storage member. The attachment mechanism allows the storage member to be detachably secured to the cabinet member. Any attachment mechanism that will allow the storage member to be detachably secured to the cabinet member may be used. The attachment mechanism preferably includes either, or both, a hook-and-pile type fastener or a snap type fastener.

Abstract: A security enclosure or trunk for luggage, tools and other property, particularly adapted for use with utility vehicles such as light duty trucks having hinged tailgates. The enclosure is adapted to be hinged to the vehicle tailgate and disposed in the vehicle loadbox when the tailgate is in a closed position. The enclosure may be moved with the tailgate to its open position to provide maximum cargo storage space in the loadbox. Access to the enclosure is obtained by opening the tailgate while leaving the enclosure in or moving it to its upright position supported on the vehicle cargo deck.

Abstract: Disclosed is a truck storage box comprising a rectangular box arranged for mounting in a standard pickup truck bed to extend thereacross and includes an two independent storage compartments, a first larger storage compartment and a second smaller storage compartment which is locked within the interior of the first storage compartment. The structures are preferably formed of steel, or like materials. The second storage compartment is particularly adapted for holding elongated, flat articles such as tools, guns, fishing rods or other appropriate items. In some instances, the second storage compartment is hinged to the interior of the lid of the larger storage compartment and the second storage compartment can be accessed only when the first storage compartment is opened and when the second storage compartment is unlocked.

Abstract: A pick up truck storage box having a center compartment accessible through the rear window of an associated pickup truck. The storage box is provided with a main body positionable within the truck bed behind the rear window to rest upon the upper surfaces of the truck bed. The center compartment is pivotally mounted to the main body and may be opened to facilitate access into the main body by a person within the truck through the rear window. In addition, the center compartment houses a briefcase which may be accessed through a separate lid. The briefcase is slidably disposed within the center compartment and may be extended into the truck through the rear window to allow access to articles within the briefcase or, alternatively, the briefcase may be completely removed from the upper compartment. An alternate embodiment of the present invention includes a sliding door assembly operable to enclose a volume of space between the main body of the box and the truck bed to provide additional storage capabilities.