Abstract: A rear vehicle frame includes a first longitudinal side frame member, a second longitudinal side frame member, a storage bin, and a center longitudinal frame member. The storage bin is disposed laterally between the first and second longitudinal side frame members adjacent rear end portions of the first and second longitudinal side frame members. Lateral sides of the storage bin are respectively secured to the first and second longitudinal side frame members. The center longitudinal frame member is disposed laterally between and spaced apart from the first and second longitudinal side frame members. The center longitudinal frame member extends from a rear end of the storage bin to a forward end of the storage bin for absorbing energy in a rear crash event.

Abstract: A rear vehicle frame includes a first longitudinal side frame member, a second longitudinal side frame member, a storage bin, and a center longitudinal frame member. The storage bin is disposed laterally between the first and second longitudinal side frame members adjacent rear end portions of the first and second longitudinal side frame members. Lateral sides of the storage bin are respectively secured to the first and second longitudinal side frame members. The center longitudinal frame member is disposed laterally between and spaced apart from the first and second longitudinal side frame members. The center longitudinal frame member extends from a rear end of the storage bin to a forward end of the storage bin for absorbing energy in a rear crash event.

Abstract: A method of single-sided resistance welding includes providing a first workpiece and a second workpiece. The first workpiece is positioned so that at least a portion of the first workpiece is in contact with at least a portion of the second workpiece. A weld electrode is positioned in contact with the first workpiece, and a ground electrode is positioned in contact with the second workpiece. A determination is made as to whether a gap or other high resistance condition is present between the first workpiece and the second workpiece. If a gap or other high resistance condition is determined to be present between the first workpiece and the second workpiece, the gap or other high resistance condition is reduced, and the first workpiece and the second workpiece are joined through welding.

Abstract: A method of single-sided resistance welding includes providing a first workpiece and a second workpiece. The first workpiece is positioned so that at least a portion of the first workpiece is in contact with at least a portion of the second workpiece. A weld electrode is positioned in contact with the first workpiece, and a ground electrode is positioned in contact with the second workpiece. A determination is made as to whether a gap or other high resistance condition is present between the first workpiece and the second workpiece. If a gap or other high resistance condition is determined to be present between the first workpiece and the second workpiece, the gap or other high resistance condition is reduced, and the first workpiece and the second workpiece are joined through welding.

Abstract: A bed system for a pickup truck includes a first member adapted for securement to a first support component associated with a truck bed. The first member has a first surface for contacting cargo and a first edge portion extending at least partially along the periphery of the first member. A second member is adapted for securement to a second support component associated with a truck bed. The second member has a second surface for contacting cargo and has a second edge portion extending at least partially along the periphery of the second member. At least a portion of the second edge portion is oriented in at least a partially overlapping spaced relationship to at least a portion of the first edge portion at an interface. A cushioning element is located between the overlapping first and second edge portions at the interface. The cushioning element is resiliently compressible and permits relative movement between the first and second edge portions at the interface.

Abstract: 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 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.