Abstract: A vehicle frame includes a pair of spaced frame rails and at least one cross member connecting the frame rails. A tower structure is on one of the spaced frame rails for supporting a floor of a load-carrying bed spaced above the frame rails.

Abstract: A rear pillar structure of a vehicle frame is provided for supporting a dual mode tailgate including a pillar member having a first leg and a second leg. The first leg extends generally vertically along a side wall of the vehicle frame which partially defines a load carrying bed. The second leg extends along a cross member connecting a pair of frame rails of the vehicle frame. A support member is mounted inside the first leg for reinforcing the first leg at a location at which the dual mode tailgate connects to the pillar.

Abstract: A retention cable arrangement for retaining a cargo closure assembly in association with a storage compartment of a vehicle includes a cargo lid door having at least one hinge for pivotally connecting the cargo door to the vehicle. A retention cable is connected to the at least one hinge and to the cargo door distal to the at least one hinge.

Abstract: A vehicle frame having a cab portion and a load-carrying bed includes sidewall structures opposed and spaced from one another forming sides of the cab portion and sides of the load-carrying bed. A wall structure extends between the spaced sidewall structures and separates the cab portion and the load-carrying bed. The wall structure forms a rear wall of the cab portion and a forward wall of the load-carrying bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure for a spare tire on a vehicle. A shell is attached to the vehicle and includes first and second end portions and a bottom portion extending at least partially between the first and second end portions. The shell at least partially defines a spare tire storage chamber and includes an opening providing access to the storage chamber, wherein the opening is adjacent to the first end portion. A support member is adapted to support a spare tire. The support member is slidably positioned above the bottom portion and is movable back and forth along a movement path from a first position in which the support member is substantially disposed within the shell and a second position in which the support member is at least partially disposed outside the shell.

Abstract: A truck bed for a pickup truck includes a metal support structure that is in a fixed position relative to a pickup truck. A shell is fixedly supported by the metal support structure and is configured to integrally define a portion of a first chamber and a portion of a second chamber. The first chamber is adjacent to the second chamber at an interface, and the first and second chambers are disposed substantially beneath a plane. The plane is defined by a cargo carrying floor that is integrally provided by the truck bed. A first closure member includes a first support surface and is associated with the shell. The first closure member is moveable between a first position in which the first support surface is substantially coplanar with the plane and is configured to support cargo directly above the first chamber, and a second position in which the first closure member is at least partially removed to provide access to the first chamber from above the plane.

Abstract: A cargo protecting system for a pickup truck includes a metal support structure that is in a fixed position relative to a pickup truck. A bed floor is fixedly supported by the metal support structure, and the bed floor includes a first support surface for directly supporting cargo, wherein the first support surface is substantially coplanar with a plane. A first chamber is disposed substantially beneath the plane and can be defined by a first shell having first and second openings. The first chamber is accessible from above the plane through the first opening, and the first and second openings can be of sufficient size and dimension to allow the passage of a spare tire. Exemplary embodiments can include a second chamber disposed substantially directly beneath the bed floor and adjacent to the second opening, wherein the second chamber is separate from the first chamber and accessible from the first chamber through the second opening.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments disclose a fastening system with an object including a securement structure with an extension element adapted to be compressed by a fastener. A portion of the securement structure extends above a first end of a compression reinforcement device. The extension element is adapted to be compressed by a fastener such that the portion of the securement structure is positioned substantially level with the first end and wherein the compression reinforcement device and the securement structure both receive compressive force from a fastener.

Abstract: A frame and support assembly for a vehicle lacking a conventional, separate B-pillar includes first and second frame members and a plurality of support assemblies. Each support assembly includes a plurality of bulkheads, a pair of outriggers, and a cross member. The bulkheads are incorporated into first and second side sill assemblies. The outriggers extend between the side sill assemblies and the first and second frame members. The cross members extend between the first and second first frame members.

Abstract: A frame and support assembly for a vehicle lacking a conventional, separate B-pillar includes first and second frame members and a plurality of support assemblies. Each support assembly includes a plurality of bulkheads, a pair of outriggers, and a cross member. The bulkheads are incorporated into first and second side sill assemblies. The outriggers extend between the side sill assemblies and the first and second frame members. The cross members extend between the first and second first frame members. The strength of the bulkheads, outriggers, and cross members is selected such that the cross member is stiffer than the outriggers, and the outriggers are stiffer than the bulkheads so that the support assemblies progressively crush during a side impact.

Abstract: A frame and support assembly for a vehicle lacking a conventional, separate B-pillar includes first and second frame members and a plurality of support assemblies. Each support assembly includes a plurality of bulkheads, a pair of outriggers, and a cross member. The bulkheads are incorporated into first and second side sill assemblies. The outriggers extend between the side sill assemblies and the first and second frame members. The cross members extend between the first and second first frame members.

Abstract: A frame and support assembly for a vehicle lacking a conventional, separate B-pillar includes first and second frame members and a plurality of support assemblies. Each support assembly includes a plurality of bulkheads, a pair of outriggers, and a cross member. The bulkheads are incorporated into first and second side sill assemblies. The outriggers extend between the side sill assemblies and the first and second frame members. The cross members extend between the first and second first frame members. The strength of the bulkheads, outriggers, and cross members is selected such that the cross member is stiffer than the outriggers, and the outriggers are stiffer than the bulkheads so that the support assemblies progressively crush during a side impact.