Store-N-go truck tray

Abstract

An apparatus for providing easy access to products stored thereon for use with one of a truck bed and a back of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a tray member for storing products in one of such truck bed and such back of such vehicle having each of a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size and formed of a first predetermined material and a means disposed on an underside portion of the tray member for permitting the tray member to slide over any surface on one of such truck bed and such back of such vehicle.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is closely related to and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/780,217 filed Mar. 8, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a storage tray, and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a storage accessory for use with a truck, SUV or van so as to provide easy access to the material stored inside.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Loading and unloading the back of a pick-up truck, an SUV or a van can cause pain and strain, as many times, a consumer must climb into and out of the vehicle to access the products that are being transported. The act of reaching, stretching and bending to pick up even the smallest item can be troublesome for all persons. This is particularly true for those who have difficulty with muscle or motor functions. The reaching, stretching and bending can aggravate even the most minor problems. The minor problems can then become more than just troublesome. Anyone who has had any sort of back problem will agree that there is no such thing as a minor back problem.

Thus, it would be advantageous if there were a means available which would provide an easier way to load and access the products being stored in the bed or back of the vehicle without the need to climb into the back of the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus for providing easy access to products stored thereon for use with one of a truck bed and a back of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a tray member for storing products in one of such truck bed and such back of such vehicle having each of a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size and formed of a first predetermined material, such tray member having two side members, two end members and a bottom member and a means disposed on an underside portion of the tray member for permitting the tray member to slide over any surface on one of such truck bed and such back of such vehicle.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention is to provide a storage accessory to provide easy access to the products stored therein.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage accessory that can move back and forth inside a truck bed or the back of a vehicle.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a storage accessory that will ease cargo transport.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a storage accessory that can be removed when not needed.

These and various other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent after a full reading of the following detailed description, particularly, when read in conjunction with the attached drawings as described below and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of the apparatus showing the first tray member.

FIG. 2 is a perspective of the apparatus showing the first tray member with a second storage member attached.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the invention showing the ease with which such tray member can be used to unload a van.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bottom side of the tray member showing the sliding mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the removable tray showing the means for engagement with the tray member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components which have identical functions have been designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings.

In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus, generally designated 10, for providing easy access to products stored thereon for use with one of a truck bed and a back of a vehicle, such as an SUV or a van. The apparatus 10 comprises a tray member 2 for storing products in one of such truck bed and such back of such vehicle having each of a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size and formed of a first predetermined material, tray member 2 has two side members, two end members and a bottom member. There is a means, generally designated 20, disposed on an underside portion of the tray member 2 for permitting the tray member 2 to slide over any surface on one of such truck bed and such back of such vehicle.

The apparatus 10 further includes at least one removably engageable member 4 with the sliding tray member 2 for providing additional storage. The removably engageable member 4 having a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size (size including length and width).

It is presently preferred that such first predetermined size of the tray member 2 is between about 7 and ½ ft. and about 8 and ½ ft. in length. Generally this length is substantially the length of the back of a pickup truck. The width of such tray member 2 is substantially between about 3 and ½ ft. and about 4 and ½ ft. in width. Thus, the predetermined shape of the tray member 2 is substantially rectangular.

The second predetermined size of the at least one removably engageable member 4 includes substantially a same width as that of the tray member 2. That is the width is substantially between about 3 and ½ ft. and about 4 and ½ ft. in width. Thus, if the tray member 2 is 4 feet wide then the removable tray will be 4 feet wide. The removable tray 4 engages the top of the sides of the tray member 2. The removable tray 4 has a notch or groove on the bottom edge that fits over the top of the sides of the tray member 2 and holds it in place. There can be two removable tray members 4 used in this application. The number of removable trays is entirely dependent on the size of the products or objects being transported. Such removable tray 4 could be used for carrying many small items. The removable tray 4 would, as stated previously, be essentially 4 feet wide and also be about 2 feet in length and have an approximate height of about 12 to 15 inches.

It is presently preferred that such first predetermined material for forming the tray member 2 is plastic. Such plastic is similar to the material used for covering such truck beds. Such tray is formed of such plastic.

The sliding means disposed on the underside of such tray member 2 is a pair of curved or arcuate portions 6 that extend lengthwise on the underside of the tray member 2. These arcuate portions 6 are formed integrally on the bottom of the tray member 2. It is presently preferred that such tray member 2 with the sliding means 20 formed thereon be molded as a one piece unit. These arcuate portions 6 make sliding easy from either the truck bed of a pickup or the back of a van or SUV.

The tray member 2 further includes at least one handle member 8 disposed on an end of the tray member 2 for use in one of pushing and pulling the tray member 2. Although it is presently preferred that such handles 8 are disposed on the end of the tray member 2 it is within the scope of the invention that the handles could be placed on the sides closely adjacent to the ends of the tray member 2.

Such tray member will remain in place without the need of any security ties. The length of the tray essentially precludes any forward or backward movement because being essentially 8 feet long such tray member 2 stretches from the back of the cab to the tailgate in most pickups. Sidewise movement is not a problem because the sliders resist sidewise movement and lengthwise rails or ridges on the bed of most pickups and vans assist in preventing such movement.

Such tray member can be made of one of plastic, wood and metal and combinations thereof. As stated previously it is presently preferred that such tray member 2 is made of plastic.

Thus, the present invention provides a slidable tray member as a storage accessory for the bed of pickup truck or the back of a van or SUV. Products can be carried on the tray and the tray can be slid outwardly so as to make it easy to access to the material stored thereon. This can eliminate the need for climbing onto the back of a truck to reach material being transported. Such an apparatus can help in preventing some muscle or back problems because it is now easier to reach the items to be carried away. The apparatus further includes an additional removable top shelf section that will provide additional storage. It is easily attached to the bottom tray member.

While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention has been described in detail above, it should be understood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for providing easy access to products stored thereon for use with one of a truck bed and a back of a vehicle, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a tray member for storing products in one of such truck bed and such back of such vehicle having each of a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size and formed of a first predetermined material, said tray member having two side members, two end members and a bottom member; and

(b) a means disposed on an underside portion of said tray member for permitting said tray member to slide over any surface on one of such truck bed and such back of such vehicle.

2. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes at least one removably engageable member with said sliding tray member for providing additional storage, said removably engageable member having a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size.

3. The apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein said first predetermined size of said tray member includes a length of between about 7 and ½ ft. and about 8 and ½ ft.

4. The apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said first predetermined size includes a width of between about 3 and ½ ft. and about 4 and ½ ft.

5. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first predetermined shape is substantially rectangular.

6. The apparatus, according to claim 4, wherein said at least one removably engageable member has a width which is substantially the same as said width of said tray member.

7. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said tray member further includes at least one handle member disposed on an end member of said tray member for use in one of pushing and pulling said tray member.

8. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said tray member will remain in place while in use without a need for security ties.

9. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said tray member is made of one of plastic, wood and metal and combinations thereof.

10. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said tray member is made of plastic.

11. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said sliding means disposed on said underside of said tray member include two parallel arcuate portions disposed lengthwise on said underside of said tray member.

12. The apparatus, according to claim 11, wherein said two parallel arcuate portions are disposed closely adjacent said sides of said tray member.

13. The apparatus, according to claim 11, wherein said arcuate portions on an underside of said tray member are formed as an integral part of said tray member.

14. The apparatus, according to claim 13, wherein said tray member is molded as a one piece unit.