Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed extender for a vehicle of the present invention includes a pair of sidewalls spaced from one another and a center wall extending therebetween. At least one lock assembly is disposed upon one of the sidewalls of the bed extender and includes a locking pin that operable to be selectively extended and retracted to engage with and disengage from the vehicle sidewall respectively. The lock assembly further includes a handle and a lever arm, which cooperate to facilitate the extension and retraction of the locking pin such that said extension of the locking pin locks the bed extender to the vehicle sidewall in the stowed and deployed positions to prevent any uncommanded movement of the extender. The locking assembly further operative to hold the locking pin in the extended and retracted positions respectively until selectively moved between positions.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo area extender including a pair of sidewalls, a center wall extending between the pair of sidewalls and a lid removably disposed relative to the pair of sidewalls and the center wall. The sidewalls, the center wall and the lid cooperate to define an enclosure having an open end. The vehicle cargo area extender is moveably mounted between a stored position relative to a vehicle cargo area wherein the open end of the enclosure is adjacent to the rear wall of the vehicle cargo area and a deployed position so as to be supported by the rear wall of the vehicle cargo area when it is in its extended position such that the open end of the enclosure faces the vehicle cargo area thereby increasing the effective size of the vehicle cargo area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating heat, in particular for heating a fluid. The apparatus includes a frame, with at least one permanent magnet fixedly mounted to the frame. An electrically conductive member is disposed proximate the permanent magnets. The magnetic field of the magnets upon the conductive member is made to vary cyclically. Typically either the permanent magnets, the conductive member, or both are movable with respect to one another. Relative motion of the conductive member and the magnets causes the magnetic field experienced by the conductive member to vary, which causes it to become hot. The total heat energy generated in the conductive member may exceed the total energy applied to the apparatus to produce the varying magnetic field. The apparatus may include a fluid path proximate the conductive member. Fluid in the fluid path receives heat from the conductive member.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo box system is provided including a first brace member affixed to a surface of a wall of the vehicle, a first panel rotatably fastened to one edge of the brace member, and a second panel rotatably fastened to one edge of the first panel so as to enable the first and second panels to be deployed by rotating the respective panels in the appropriate direction. In this manner, a secure box-shaped enclosure is formed adjacent the cab portion of the vehicle and provides for storing tools and implements therein. When the cargo box is not required to be deployed, the respective panels are rotated in the appropriate opposite direction and are secured against the first brace member so as to increase the available cargo area on the bed surface of the vehicle. An optional second brace member is provided for engagement to the second panel to prevent unintended rotation of the second panel.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo area extender including a pair of sidewalls, a center wall extending between the pair of sidewalls and a lid removably disposed relative to the pair of sidewalls and the center wall. The sidewalls, the center wall and the lid cooperate to define an enclosure having an open end. The vehicle cargo area extender is moveably mounted between a stored position relative to a vehicle cargo area wherein the open end of the enclosure is adjacent to the rear wall of the vehicle cargo area and a deployed position so as to be supported by the rear wall of the vehicle cargo area when it is in its extended position such that the open end of the enclosure faces the vehicle cargo area thereby increasing the effective size of the vehicle cargo area.