Abstract: A deployable gurney lift assembly 12 having a carriage assembly 14 composed of a carriage assembly plate 20 with two pivot carriage arms 38 disposed opposite one another to engage the sides of a gurney G, at least one safety bar holder 16 to accommodate a safety bar B of the gurney G, the safety bar holders 16 with at least one bar latch 18 to receive and secure a gurney bar B therein. At least one lift actuator 88 lifts and lowers the arms 38.

Abstract: A cargo space device for a front part having a front space of a motor vehicle, where the front space is coverable by a moveable front bonnet. The cargo space device includes a cargo space and a shifting device where the cargo space is shiftable by the shifting device between a stowed position accommodated in the front part and an extended position that is raised in relation to the stowed position in a first shifting direction. The cargo space is pivotable around a pivoting axis running in a region of a lower front marginal edge of the cargo space, in relation to the shifting device, in a second shifting direction which is different from the first shifting direction.

Abstract: A vehicle floor structure includes a floor member having an opening and a floor panel covering the opening. The floor panel is configured by sequentially arranging and integrating a plurality of kinds of unit panels in a lateral direction of the unit panels, the unit panels having rectangular shapes as viewed from above a vehicle. Two end sides of the floor panel extending along a direction in which the unit panels are arranged (x direction) and one side of at least one of two unit panels arranged at opposite ends of the floor panel are supported by support portions of a floor member. A unit panel of which the one side is supported by the support portion of the floor member has a lighter weight per unit area than other unit panels having lateral lengths equal to or greater than a lateral length of the unit panel.

Abstract: A loading space device of a front end of a motor vehicle includes a loading space which is displaceable between a stowage position accommodated in the front end and an access position extended at least partially out of the front end. A delimiting wall configured as a flap delimits the loading space and in the access position of the loading space is displaceable to a loading position. The flap is configured as a covering element to cover, in the loading position, a component of the front end disposed in a longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle in front of the loading space. In the access position, as opposed to the stowage position, the loading space is disposed sloping towards an exterior of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A side-by-side off-road vehicle has a cockpit, a storage compartment disposed rearward of the cockpit, a motor compartment disposed rearward of the storage compartment, a frame, four ground engaging members, a motor, and a pivotable cargo bed. In a lowered position, the cargo bed extends over at least a portion of the motor and storage compartments. At least one first partition defines at least in part a front of at least a portion of the storage compartment. At least one second partition defines at least in part a rear of at least a portion of the storage compartment. A floor defines at least in part a bottom of the storage compartment. The storage compartment has left and right access apertures defined in left and right sides of the vehicle. A method of assembling a vehicle of a family of vehicles is also contemplated.

Abstract: A replacement tailgate for the purpose of elongating the pick up truck may be installed on a truck bed wherein the replacement tailgate can be unfolded in order to elongate a length of the truck bed. The replacement tailgate may have front and rear shells that are used to support objects placed in the truck bed as well as act as the new tailgate when the truck bed length is elongated. Various panels may be unfolded in order to trap objects within the truck bed when the replacement tailgate is unfolded in order to elongate the truck bed length.

Abstract: A method of providing a ramp system, said method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of ramp members that are adapted to be coupled to a rigid portion of a trailer, wherein a first of the ramp members extends from the rigid portion of the trailer to a flat surface of an automotive vehicle that is attached to the trailer for pulling said trailer, wherein the second ramp member extends from the rigid member to a flat surface of the trailer, an incline exists from where the second member touches the flat surface of the trailer to where the first member touches the flat surface of the automotive vehicle; permitting the first ramp member to pivot from the flat surface of the automotive vehicle to a more vertical first orientation; and permitting the first ramp member to lock in the more vertical position.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle loading ramp system that removably cooperates with a vehicle mounted hitch receiver and provides a rearward directed supplemental hitch receiver. The loading ramp system includes a pair of ramp sections that are movably connected to a mounting system to provide a plurality of lateral distances between the respective ramp sections. The assembly is stowable to achieve a compact orientation of the loading ramp system relative to a tailgate of a vehicle and an in-use position wherein the ramp sections can be deployed to provide a supported incline into the bed or cargo area of the underlying vehicle.

Abstract: A tailgate for extending the length of the bed of a vehicle, with the tailgate comprising a tailgate panel that is rotatably and slidably connected to a tailgate housing, enabling the tailgate panel to be rotated into and upright position, thereby extending the length of the bed of the vehicle by the height of the tailgate panel, and by extending the bed of the vehicle further by sliding the upright tailgate panel away from the tailgate housing.

Abstract: A pickup truck includes a tailgate that is movable between open and closed positions. A powered latch provides for remote release of the latches of the tailgate. The tailgate is biased from the closed position towards the open position such that release of the latch causes the tailgate to shift automatically from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A vehicle having an extendable bed assembly includes a loading bed and a tailgate pivotally connected to, and positioned upright over the loading bed. A sliding member is retained within the tailgate. To extend the bed assembly, the tailgate is laid down, and the sliding member is extended out rearwards from the tailgate, by unlocking the locking mechanism. The tailgate and the sliding member append the loading bed, to form primary and secondary extensions, respectively, constituting a fully extended bed. A bed grille is slid to the rearmost portion of the extended bed, and fixedly positioned there. The bed grille includes a central member, and a left flap and a right flap pivotally connected to it. The flaps are rotated outwards, to an orientation perpendicular to the central member, forming a U-shaped structure, which acts as a support for the items loaded over the extended portion of the bed assembly.

Abstract: A hitch attached extension for over sized cargo has a longitudinally extending frame member adapted to be removably attached to a trailer hitch of a motor vehicle. The longitudinally extending frame member including a draw bar located at a distal end adapted to be connected with the trailer hitch, a pivot member adjacent the draw bar forming a pivot axis adapted to allow the longitudinally extending frame member to be pivoted between a horizontal position and a vertical stowing position with respect to the trailer hitch.

Abstract: Inductively coupled work surfaces with integrated primary coils are provided. Power is inductively coupled from a work surface with an integrated primary coil to a handheld device containing a secondary coil. The inductively coupled work surface may be a home work surface, an ergonomic industrial work bench, a work surface installed in the interior of a vehicle, or a collapsible work surface accessible from the exterior of a vehicle. Primary coils integrated into a work surface may provide varying amounts of power. Devices containing secondary coils, such as laptop computers, PDAs, cell phones, and power tools, are charged when placed on the work surface where primary coils are integrated.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a vehicle body frame extending in the fore/aft direction, the vehicle body frame including a front frame and a rear frame disposed rearwardly of the front frame, a passenger's section provided on the vehicle body frame, a driver's seat disposed on the front side of the passenger's section, and a drive unit including an engine, the drive unit being disposed downwardly of the rear frame. A rear portion of a rear seat disposing space provided rearwardly of the driver's seat is overlapped with an upper side of the rear frame. A rear seat disposed in the rear seat disposing space is selectable in its posture between a first posture where the upper side of the rear frame is opened up to allow visual inspection of the drive unit and a second posture where the rear seat is positioned on the upper side of the rear frame to cover the drive unit.

Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle according to the present invention has a front seat, a rear seat, a cargo bed expandable in a front direction, and a screen shield arranged at a front end of the cargo bed. The cargo bed has at least a stationary bottom plate, right and left stationary side panels, a front panel, expandable side panels, and an expandable bottom plate and can be changed between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded in a front direction to a rear portion riding space and a non-expanded state not occupying the space. Each of the expandable side panels and the screen shield are supported by a vehicle body configuring portion so as to be integrally shifted between an expanded position and a non-expanded position.

Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle having a front seat, a rear seat, a cargo bed, a cabin frame surrounding a riding space, and a screen shield partitioning the cargo bed and a rear riding space in front of the cargo bed. The cargo bed can be changed between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded in a front direction into the rear riding space and a non-expanded state not occupying the rear riding space. A backrest for the rear seat is attached to the screen shield. The screen shield can be shifted between a position in the expanded state and a position in the non-expanded state when a seat bottom and the backrest of the rear seat are changed between a retracted state in which the seat bottom and the backrest are erected on the same straight line and a seatable used state.

Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle with an expandable cargo bed. The vehicle includes a chassis supporting a front seat, a rear seat, a screen formation, and a bottom plate of the cargo bed. The pick-up style utility vehicle is capable of being changed between a normal state in which the rear seat is situated on the bottom plate and an expanded state in which the rear seat is moved from the top of the bottom plate. A screen formation is positioned between the cargo bed in the normal state and the rear seat, and includes two screen formation divisions as a double door, and each of the screen formation divisions is supported rotatably around a vertical shaft by the chassis. In the normal state, the two screen formation divisions close the front of the cargo bed. In the expanded state, the two screen formation divisions open the front of the cargo bed and form side plates in the cargo bed.

Abstract: A space saving automobile loading ramp system is disclosed. The present invention attaches to the hitch of a truck or similar automobile to allow the user to load cargo. The present invention does not require any alteration of the automobile. Additionally, the present invention does not take up any space in a truck bed or require components be stored in the cab, and can be disassembled for transport while the tailgate of the truck remains down even if cargo has been loaded onto the tailgate using the present invention.

Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle with an expandable cargo bed, including a front seat, a rear seat, a stationary bottom plate serving as a bottom face of the cargo bed, an expansion bottom plate for expanding the bottom face of the cargo bed, and a shared linkage mechanism for holding the rear seat at a use position where the rear seat is positioned on the upper side of the stationary bottom plate and a shunting position where the rear seat is shunted into a rear leg room provided in front of and below the stationary bottom plate. The shared linkage mechanism also holds the expansion bottom plate at a storage position where the expansion bottom plate is above the stationary bottom plate and an expansion position where the expansion bottom plate is positioned over the leg room.

Abstract: A utility bed comprises a bed frame, a bed floor, an end wall, a seat back, and a seat bottom. The bed floor comprises a first and second floor portion. The first floor portion is movably coupled with the bed frame and is movable between a cargo support and an opened position. The end wall is slideably coupled with the bed frame and is slideable between a cargo hauling position and a seating position. The seat back is coupled with the end wall. The seat bottom portion is pinned directly to the end wall and is pivotable about a first axis. When the end wall is slid from the cargo hauling position to the seating position, the seat bottom portion is pivotable from the stored position to the seating position.

Abstract: A flatbed trailer comprising front and rear flatbed trailer sections and a method of operation is provided. In one embodiment, a first support assembly is configured to lift the front flatbed trailer section relative to the rear flatbed trailer section, and second support assembly is configured to lift the rear flatbed trailer section relative to the front flatbed trailer section. Roller wheels may provide rolling engagement between the front and rear flatbed trailer sections, and slide members may provide sliding engagement between the front and rear flatbed trailer sections.

Abstract: A cargo handling device lifts a cargo to and from a cargo floor. A linear track mechanism is mounted on the cargo floor and has an extended position projecting through a vehicle opening. A cargo platform is mounted on the linear track mechanism so that the cargo platform moves between a horizontal stored position overlying the cargo floor and a horizontal extended position deployed through the vehicle opening. A pivot acts between the cargo platform and the linear track mechanism so that upon the cargo platform reaching the horizontal extended position the cargo platform can be pivoted between the horizontal extended position and a generally vertical position in which one end of the cargo platform is adjacent the ground so that a cargo resting on the ground can be positioned against the cargo platform. A restraint is provided for restraining the cargo on the cargo platform.

Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle according to the present invention has a front seat, a rear seat, and a cargo bed in this order from front. The cargo bed is changeable between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded forward to a rear riding space in front of the cargo bed and a non-expanded state not occupying the rear riding space. The rear seat forms side panels of the expandable portions of the cargo bed in the expanded state.

Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle according to the present invention has a front seat and a rear seat surrounded by a cabin frame, and a cargo bed in this order from front, a screen shield partitioning the cargo bed and a riding space in front of the cargo bed, and the cargo bed being changeable between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded to the riding space of the rear seat and a non-expanded state not occupying the riding space of the rear seat. The screen shield is supported by the upper portion of the cabin frame and is changeable between an expanded position in which the cargo bed in the expanded state and the riding space in front of the cargo bed are partitioned and a non-expanded position in which the cargo bed in the non-expanded state and the riding space in front of the cargo bed are partitioned without being detached from the cabin frame.

Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle according to the present invention has a front seat, a rear seat, and a cargo bed in this order from front, a cabin frame surrounding a riding space, and a screen shield partitioning the cargo bed and a rear riding space in front of the cargo bed. The cargo bed can be changed between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded in a front direction to the rear riding space and a non-expanded state not occupying the rear riding space. The upper portion of the screen shield is swingably supported by the upper portion of the cabin frame so that the screen shield can be shifted between a position in the expanded state and a position in the non-expanded state. The screen shield has a foldable folding portion, is swung in the expanded state, and is supported by a vehicle body component while being in a folded state by the folding portion.

Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle according to the present invention has a front seat, a rear seat, a cargo bed, a cabin frame surrounding a riding space, and a screen shield partitioning the cargo bed and a rear riding space in front of the cargo bed. The cargo bed can be changed between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded in a front direction to the rear riding space and a non-expanded state not occupying the rear riding space. A backrest for the rear seat is attached to the screen shield. The screen shield can be shifted between a position in the expanded state and a position in the non-expanded state when a seat bottom and the backrest of the rear seat are changed between a retracted state in which the seat bottom and the backrest are erected on the same straight line and a seatable used state.

Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle according to the present invention has a front seat, a rear seat, and a cargo bed in this order from front, a cabin frame surrounding a riding space, and a screen shield partitioning the cargo bed and a rear riding space in front of the cargo bed. The cargo bed can be changed between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded in a front direction to the rear riding space and a non-expanded state not occupying the rear riding space. The screen shield has a link mechanism. The screen shield is coupled to the upper portion of the cabin frame by the link mechanism so that the screen shield can be shifted between a position in the expanded state and a position in the non-expanded state.

Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle according to the present invention has a front seat, a rear seat, and a cargo bed in this order from front, a cabin frame surrounding a riding space, and a screen shield partitioning the cargo bed and a rear riding space in front of the cargo bed. The cargo bed can be changed between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded in a front direction to the rear riding space and a non-expanded state not occupying the rear riding space. The screen shield is directly or indirectly supported by a swinging shaft provided on a vehicle body and is swingable between a position in the expanded state and a position in the non-expanded state.

Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle according to the present invention has a front seat, a rear seat, and a cargo bed in this order from front. The cargo bed has at least left and right stationary side panels and expandable side panels extended forward from the front ends of the stationary side panels and is changeable between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded forward to a rear riding space in front of the cargo bed and a non-expanded state not occupying the rear riding space. The expandable side panels are rotatable about rotational shafts forward and rearward in a vehicle width direction so as to be shiftable between a position in the expanded state and a position in the non-expanded state.

Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle according to the present invention has a front seat, a rear seat, and a cargo bed, wherein the cargo bed is expandable forward and has a screen shield for partitioning at a front end thereof. The rear seat has a seat bottom for the rear seat detachably attached to a rear seat attaching portion provided on a vehicle body. The screen shield has a seat holding portion to which the seat bottom detached from the rear seat attaching portion is attachable.

Abstract: The present invention is a pick-up style utility vehicle having a front seat and a rear seat, the pick-up style utility vehicle including a cargo bed movement mechanism for supporting a cargo bed movably within a predetermined movement range in the back and forth direction, and a seat movement mechanism for supporting the rear seat movably between a use position set to be within the movement range and a shunting position set to be out of the movement range.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a front flatbed trailer section, a rear flatbed trailer section, a first support assembly carried by one of the front and rear flatbed trailer sections, and wherein the first support assembly at least partially disengages the other of the front and rear flatbed trailer sections. A method of extending a trailer comprising the steps of providing a first flatbed trailer section and a second flatbed trailer section with a slide member and a first support assembly, displacing the first support assembly in a first direction, separating the first and second flatbed trailer sections in a vertical direction, and moving one of the first and second flatbed trailer sections in a horizontal direction relative to the other of the first and second flatbed trailer sections.

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 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. The first interlocking member and a first mounting station on the vehicle and the second interlocking member and a second mounting station on the vehicle cooperate to secure the truck bed extender to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate extender mechanism including a tailgate frame having a tailgate bed extender guide, and a bed extender assembly coupled to the tailgate frame and including an extender cross member. An extender guide may be secured to the extender cross member, and an extender support member may be secured to the extender cross member. The extender support member is capable of at least partial insertion into and extraction out of the tailgate bed extender guide. A cargo restraining panel is rotatably coupled to the extender cross member. A ratcheting mechanism may couple the extender support member to the tailgate frame and allow the extender support member to be linearly displaced in a first direction within the tailgate bed extender guide while simultaneously preventing substantial linear movement of the extender support member in a second direction opposite the first direction within the tailgate bed extender guide.

Abstract: A pivotable grab handle device is movable between a stowed position, which is positioned against the main tailgate structure, and a deployed position that projects upwardly above the top surface of a lowered main tailgate structure. The grab handle device is mounted on a retainer bracket that is affixed to the top surface of the lowered main tailgate structure. The grab handle incorporates a spring-loaded latch mechanism that is cooperable with the pivot bracket when in the stowed position and cooperable with a striker plate mounted below the top surface of the main tailgate structure to fix the grab handle in the deployed position. A release lever projecting outwardly of the grab handle permits a retraction of the latch member to release the grab handle from either the pivot bracket or the striker plate to allow pivotal movement of the grab handle into the desired position.

Abstract: An extender bed system having channel affixed to the flatbed of the vehicle and a cradle slidingly received within the channel. An extendable bed is slidingly received within the cradle and a plurality of bearings affixed to the cradle permit sliding movement of the cradle in the channel and sliding movement of the extendable bed in the cradle.

Abstract: A floor assembly for a cargo space of an automotive vehicle includes a floor support adapted to be mounted in the cargo space. A floor panel is mounted on the floor support for movement along a predetermined path of travel from a first position totally within the cargo space to an extended position at least partially outside the vehicle. Locking mechanism releasably locks the floor panel in the desired position. The locking mechanism may also be capable of locking the floor panel in several intermediate positions between the first position and the extended position. The locking mechanism preferably includes locking detents in spaced apart relation along the path of travel, and a locking lever engageable with any one of the detents to lock the floor panel in a selected position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a supplemental tailgate assembly, which includes a tailgate extender that retracts within the tailgate and is extendable therefrom and right and left hand gate assemblies. The supplemental tailgate assembly is able to provide bed extender, box extender, step assist, roof rack, cargo storage area, and box divider functions. The supplemental tailgate assembly is stowable to minimize interference in cargo space when not in use.

Abstract: An extension and ramp assembly for use with the truck beds. The assembly comprises a truck bed floor portion and a cargo bed door portion. The truck bed floor portion mainly includes a plurality of shafts and a motor coupled with a bumper, which provides power to extend and retract the bumper along with the truck bed. The cargo bed door portion mainly includes a cargo bed door that is pivotally attached to the bumper such that it can be moved away from the rear end of the truck bed to form an extension parallel to the truck bed. The truck bed when fully extended can be moved down towards the ground to form a sloping surface. The sloping surface formed by the truck bed in conjunction with the pivotally moved down cargo bed door acts as a ramp-like structure.

Abstract: A vehicle having a cargo extender mounted to a rear portion thereof, preferably a minivan or a sport utility vehicle, is provided. The cargo extender is preferably slidable between a retracted position stowed in an aesthetically-pleasing manner within the rear portion of the vehicle and an extended position where any contents of the extender can be accessed. Further, the cargo extender can be pivoted to different angular positions (as opposed to the generally horizontal position in which it is stored) to provide additional functionality thereto.

Abstract: A supplemental tailgate extends from the tailgate frame of a pickup truck and is positionable in multiple orientations to provide a variety of uses, including as an extension of the pickup truck bed. The supplemental tailgate includes a cross member connected between two telescoping supports, which forms a part of the tailgate molding when stored within the main tailgate structure. A lock rod assembly interconnects the supplemental tailgate and the body of the pickup truck to stabilize the position of the extended supplemental tailgate when positioned perpendicular to the opened main tailgate. The lock rod assembly can be formed as flexible cables that can be housed within the cross member for easy deployment when needed. The lock rod assembly can also be formed as fixed length rods that are pivotally mounted on the cross member and stored within the cross member for easy deployment.

Abstract: A truck bed loading platform including a rail mountable on a truck bed. The platform also includes a first and second hingedly connected tray portions. Furthermore, the platform includes means for slidably mounting the first and second tray portions on the rail for sliding movement between first and second positions. The rail includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced rollers. The platform can include an optional handle(s) for facilitating manual sliding of the platform. The platform can also include an optional lock for locking the entire platform in place on a truck bed.

Abstract: A sliding load floor system for use in the rear cargo area of a vehicle. The cargo area has a pair of opposing side portions that extend longitudinally in relation to the center line of the vehicle. A pair of opposing transverse portions extend laterally in relation to the vehicle. A storage area is positioned between and at a level below a plane including the side and transverse portions. The sliding load floor system comprises a slide mechanism including a pair of opposing rail members having a forward edge, a frame that is slidably received by the rail members of the slide mechanism, a removable load floor that is detachably positioned in relation to the frame; and a two-axis hinge assembly that is mounted to the side portions. The forward edges of the rail members are connected to the hinge assembly so that the frame and the removable load floor may be displaced in relation to the hinge assembly, and the frame plus the load floor may be slid rearwardly and/or arcuately about the hinge assembly.

Abstract: A pick-up truck box extender flip gate is provided. The truck box extender flip gate of the current application is comprised of; 1) a tail gate attaching frame, 2) two side faces, each of which is comprised of one guide and one metal frame. 3) a first front face that is rotatably connected to the two guides, and 4) a second front face that is rotatably connected to the first front face via hinges. When the pick-up truck box extender flip gate is in retracted position, the two guides are embedded in two rectangular metal frames which are welded to both ends of the tail gate frame. The first front face and the second front face are overlapped with the tailgate-attaching frame when the flip gate is retracted. In extended position, the first front face and second front faces come out of the attaching frame to extend the pick-up truck cargo box space. The first and second front faces have racks for holding bicycle wheel or long ladder's leg.

Abstract: A tailgate with a fixed portion and an expandable portion where the expandable portion is pivotally coupled to the fixed portion.

Abstract: A sliding load floor system for use in the rear cargo area of a vehicle. The cargo area has a pair of opposing side portions that extend longitudinally in relation to the center line of the vehicle. A pair of opposing transverse portions extend laterally in relation to the vehicle. A storage area is positioned between and at a level below a plane including the side and transverse portions. The sliding load floor system comprises a slide mechanism including a pair of opposing rail members having a forward edge, and a removable load floor that is detachably positioned in relation to the slide mechanism; and a hinge assembly that is mounted to the side portions. The forward edges of the rail members are connected to the hinge assembly so that the slide mechanism, and the removable load floor may be moved arcuately in relation to the hinge assembly, and the load floor slid rearwardly.

Abstract: An openable motor vehicle rear with a rear window which can be moved to clear a first cargo space opening, and with a rear hatch located below the rear window that can be moved to the rear beyond the contour of the vehicle, to thereby clear a second cargo space opening. In one embodiment of the present invention, a rear part is provided between the rear window and the rear hatch which covers the transition between the rear window and the rear hatch.

Abstract: A disclosed loading and unloading system for a truck having a bed includes a ramp, a first storage compartment formed under the bed and receiving the ramp, a ramp mounting assembly for mounting the ramp such that the ramp can be moved from a stored position to an extended position, a tailgate, a second storage compartment formed under the first storage compartment and receiving the tailgate, and a tailgate mounting assembly for mounting the tailgate such that the tailgate can be moved from an upright position to a lowered position, and to a retracted position. In the stored position the ramp is positioned within the first storage compartment. In the extended position the ramp extends outwardly from the first storage compartment through an opening. The tailgate blocks the first compartment opening in the upright position, and does not block the first compartment opening in the retracted position.

Abstract: A storage compartment and integrated tailgate worksurface is disclosed. The storage compartment is easily retrofitable to any standard or light duty pick-up truck bed. A parallel linkage mechanism and integrated power unit can raise and lower the storage compartment without rotation, thereby keeping objects in an initial desired orientation and placement within the compartment. The parallel linkage system also facilitates adjustment of the integrated tailgate work surface to convenient working heights.

Abstract: A pivotable grab handle device is movable between a stowed position, which is positioned within a mating cavity formed in the main tailgate structure, and a deployed position that projects upwardly above the top surface of a lowered main tailgate structure. The grab handle device is mounted on a retainer bracket that is affixed to a pivot bracket mounted to the top surface of the lowered main tailgate structure. When pivotally raised into the deployed position, the grab handle allows a person using a supplemental tailgate assembly configured into a step function extending below the plane of the lowered main tailgate structure to be stabilized while climbing onto the cross member of the supplemental tailgate assembly and onto the top surface of the lowered main tailgate structure.