U.S. patent application number 10/135587 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-30 for truck bed extension device.
Invention is credited to Whiteford, Barry, Williams, Dane.
Application Number | 20030201657 10/135587 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29249486 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030201657 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Whiteford, Barry ; et
al. |
October 30, 2003 |
TRUCK BED EXTENSION DEVICE
Abstract
A truck bed extension device (10) for use with a truck (12)
having a cargo bed structure, wherein the device (10) allows for
carrying items which extend beyond or overhang the bed structure.
The device (10) comprises a deck (24); a support structure (26);
and a signaling system (28). The deck (24) is horizontally
adjustable relative to the bed structure so as to allow for
achieving a desired spacing therebetween. The deck (24) is also
vertically offset when unloaded so as to be substantially flush
when loaded. Because the device (10) or the load carried thereon
may obstruct viewing of the truck's existing brake and turn
signals, the signaling system (28) repeats these signals where they
are more visible. A second embodiment of the device (110) provides
a hitch structure (170) for coupling the truck with a trailer via
the device (110).
Inventors: |
Whiteford, Barry; (Canton,
NY) ; Williams, Dane; (Los Alamos, NM) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMAS B. LUEBBERING
HOVEY WILLIAMS LLP
2405 Grand, Suite 400
Kansas City
MO
64108
US
|
Family ID: |
29249486 |
Appl. No.: |
10/135587 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/26.08 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 3/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/26.08 |
International
Class: |
B60P 003/00 |
Claims
1. A device for use with a vehicle having a cargo bed structure,
the device comprising: a deck having a surface; and a support
structure having a first end and a second end, wherein the first
end is adapted to couple with the vehicle and the second end is
adapted to couple with the deck such that, when so coupled, the
surface of the deck is supported and positioned substantially
adjacent to and substantially flush with the cargo bed
structure.
2. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the cargo bed
structure of the vehicle includes a lowerable tailgate, and the
support structure is operable to support and position the surface
of the deck substantially adjacent to and substantially flush with
the lowered tailgate.
3. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the surface of the
deck is between approximately 3 feet and 6 feet long, and between
approximately 2 feet and 4 feet wide.
4. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the surface of the
deck is vertically positioned up to approximately 1 inch above the
cargo bed structure.
5. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein horizontal
positioning of the surface of the deck is adjustable so as to allow
for spacing the surface between approximately 0.25 inch and 1.00
inch horizontally apart from the cargo bed structure.
6. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the truck includes a
receiver, and the first end of the support structure is operable to
fit within and removably couple with the receiver.
7. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the support
structure includes a hitch structure operable to facilitate
coupling the vehicle with a towed vehicle via the device.
8. The device as set forth in claim 1, further including a license
plate attachment mechanism operable to secure a license plate to
the device for rearward-facing display.
9. The device as set forth in claim 1, further including a brake
signal light system electrically coupleable with an electrical
system of the vehicle, wherein the brake light system includes a
brake light oriented so as to face away from the vehicle.
10. The device as set forth in claim 1, further including a turn
signal light system electrically coupleable with an electrical
system of the vehicle, wherein the turn signal light system
includes a left turn signal light and a right turn signal light
oriented so as to face away from the vehicle.
11. A device for use with a vehicle having a cargo bed structure,
the device comprising: a deck having a surface, wherein horizontal
positioning of the surface is adjustable so as to allow for spacing
the surface between approximately 0.25 inch and 1.00 inch
horizontally apart from the cargo bed structure; and a support
structure having a first end and a second end, wherein the first
end is adapted to couple with the vehicle and the second end is
adapted to couple with the deck such that, when so coupled, the
surface of the deck is securely supported relative to the cargo bed
structure.
12. The device as set forth in claim 11, wherein the cargo bed
structure of the vehicle includes a lowerable tailgate, and the
support structure is operable to support and position the surface
of the deck substantially adjacent to and substantially flush with
the lowered tailgate.
13. The device as set forth in claim 11, wherein the surface of the
deck is between approximately 3 feet and 6 feet long, and between
approximately 2 feet and 4 feet wide.
14. The device as set forth in claim 11, wherein the surface of the
deck is vertically positioned up to approximately 1 inch above the
cargo bed structure.
15. The device as set forth in claim 11, wherein the truck includes
a receiver, and the first end of the support structure is operable
to fit within and removably couple with the receiver.
16. The device as set forth in claim 11, wherein the support
structure includes a hitch structure operable to facilitate
coupling the vehicle with a towed vehicle via the device.
17. The device as set forth in claim 11, further including a
license plate attachment mechanism operable to secure a license
plate to the device for rearward-facing display.
18. The device as set forth in claim 11, further including a brake
signal light system electrically coupleable with an electrical
system of the vehicle, wherein the brake signal light system
includes a brake light oriented so as to face away from the
vehicle.
19. The device as set forth in claim 11, further including a turn
signal light system electrically coupleable with an electrical
system of the vehicle, wherein the turn signal light system
includes a left turn signal light and a right turn signal light
oriented so as to face away from the vehicle.
20. A device for use with a vehicle having a cargo bed structure,
the device comprising: a deck having a surface; a support structure
having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is
adapted to couple with the vehicle and the second end is adapted to
couple with the deck such that, when so coupled, the surface of the
deck is securely supported relative to the cargo bed structure; and
a signal light system electrically coupleable with an electrical
system of the vehicle, wherein the signaling light system includes
a brake light and a left turn signal light and a right turn signal
light oriented so as to face away from the vehicle.
21. The device as set forth in claim 20, wherein the cargo bed
structure of the vehicle includes a lowerable tailgate, and the
support structure is operable to support and position the surface
of the deck substantially adjacent to and substantially flush with
the lowered tailgate.
22. The device as set forth in claim 20, wherein the surface of the
deck is between approximately 3 feet and 6 feet long, and between
approximately 2 feet and 4 feet wide.
23. The device as set forth in claim 20, wherein the surface of the
deck is vertically positioned up to approximately 1 inch above the
cargo bed structure.
24. The device as set forth in claim 20, wherein the horizontal
positioning of the surface of the deck is adjustable so as to allow
for spacing the surface between approximately 0.25 inch and 1.00
inch horizontally apart from the cargo bed structure.
25. The device as set forth in claim 20, wherein the truck includes
a receiver, and the first end of the support structure is operable
to fit within and removably couple with the receiver.
26. The device as set forth in claim 20, wherein the support
structure includes a hitch structure operable to facilitate
coupling the vehicle with a towed vehicle via the device.
27. The device as set forth in claim 20, further including a
license plate attachment mechanism operable to secure a license
plate to the device for rearward-facing display.
28. A device for use with a vehicle having a cargo bed structure
and a receiver, the device comprising: a deck having a surface,
wherein the surface is between approximately 3 feet and 6 feet long
and is between approximately 2 feet and 4 feet wide, and wherein
horizontal positioning of the surface of the deck is adjustable so
as to allow for spacing the surface of the deck between
approximately 0.25 inch and 1.00 inch horizontally apart from the
cargo bed structure; a support structure having a first end and a
second end, wherein the first end is adapted to removably couple
with the receiver of the vehicle and the second end is adapted to
couple with the deck such that, when so coupled, the surface of the
deck is securely supported relative to the cargo bed structure; a
signal light system electrically coupleable with an electrical
system of the vehicle, wherein the signal light system includes a
brake light and a left turn signal light and a right turn signal
light oriented so as to face away from the vehicle; and a hitch
structure coupled with the support structure and operable to
facilitate coupling the vehicle with a towed vehicle via the
device.
29. The device as set forth in claim 28, wherein the cargo bed
structure of the vehicle includes a lowerable tailgate, and the
support structure is operable to support and position the surface
of the deck substantially adjacent to and substantially flush with
the lowered tailgate.
30. The device as set forth in claim 28, wherein the surface of the
deck is vertically positioned up to approximately 1 inch above the
cargo bed structure.
31. The device as set forth in claim 28, further including a
license plate attachment mechanism operable to secure a license
plate to the device for rearward-facing display.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates broadly to devices for
enhancing the cargo carrying or hauling ability of a conventional
truck. More particularly, the present invention concerns a truck
bed extension device comprising a supported deck positionable
substantially adjacent to and substantially flush with an end of an
existing cargo bed structure of a conventional flatbed or pickup
truck so as to allow for safely and securely carrying or hauling
cargo items which extend beyond or overhang the existing bed
structure.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] It is often desirable to transport an item using the
existing cargo bed structure of a conventional flatbed or pickup
truck. Unfortunately, the item is sometimes longer than the truck
is able to safely and securely accommodate. Certain types of items,
including, for example lumber or piping, may simply be allowed to
extend beyond or overhang the existing bed structure. Other types
of items, however, including, for example, snowmobiles, all terrain
vehicles, and motorcycles, cannot safely or securely be allowed to
overhang the existing bed structure. This is particularly true
where, for example, the extending end of the item is significantly
heavy, or where certain specific points, such as wheels or legs,
associated with the extending end of the item must be
supported.
[0005] Where the existing bed structure includes a lowerable
tailgate, it is often tempting to use the lowered tailgate as an
extension to support the overlong item. Tailgates, however, are
typically not designed to support significant amounts of weight,
and may bend or be otherwise damaged under heavy loads. This is
particularly true where, for example, the item is wheeled or legged
and the wheels or legs rest on the lowered tailgate such that a
substantial portion of the item's total weight is focused directly
on the lowered tailgate.
[0006] Truck bed extension devices are known in the prior art which
couple with the truck and project outwardly therefrom in a manner
allowing for receiving and supporting items which extend
substantially beyond the existing bed structure. Unfortunately,
these prior art devices suffer from a number of disadvantages,
including, for example, that they provide only a substantially
one-dimensional linear support structure which is not suitable for
resting and supporting wheels or legs upon. Furthermore, horizontal
positioning of the prior art devices is typically not adjustable
relative to the existing bed structure, and the support structure
is typically spaced a substantial distance apart from an end of the
existing bed structure, meaning that only items of a certain
minimum length can be supported. Additionally, the prior art
devices or the loads carried thereon typically obstruct views of
brake lights, turn signals, and license plates which the law
requires trucks and other vehicles to display. Such obstruction can
potentially result in accidents where following drivers, unable to
see the signaling lights of the truck, are left unaware of and
unable to respond to braking or turning actions. Additionally, the
prior art devices typically substantially interfere with access to
an existing hitch structure commonly associated with a lower rear
portion of the truck, thereby preventing use of the existing hitch
structure to couple a trailer or other vehicle to the truck for
towing.
[0007] Due to these and other problems and disadvantages in the
prior art, a need exists for an improved device for enhancing the
ability of a conventional truck to safely and securely carry or
haul items which extend beyond or overhang an existing bed
structure and tailgate of the truck.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention solves the above-described and other
problems and disadvantages in the prior art by providing a truck
bed extension device comprising a supported deck positionable
substantially adjacent to and substantially flush with an end of an
existing cargo bed structure of a conventional truck so as to allow
for safely and securely carrying or hauling items which extend
beyond or overhang the existing bed structure. The truck may be,
for example, any conventional flatbed or pickup truck having a
lowerable tailgate, a receiver, and an electrical system.
[0009] In a preferred first embodiment, the device broadly
comprises the deck; a support structure; and a signaling system.
The deck is operable to directly support the item which overhangs
the existing bed structure, including the lowered tailgate. The
deck includes a platform surface, a platform support structure, and
a coupling sleeve. The platform surface provides a substantially
flat, two-dimensional surface upon which the item or a portion
thereof can rest. The platform surface is between approximately 2
feet and 4 feet long, between approximately 4 feet and 6 feet wide,
and is horizontally positionable so as to be no more than between
approximately 0.25 inch and 1.00 inch away from the lowered
tailgate. Furthermore, the platform surface may be vertically
positioned between approximately 0.25 inch and 1.00 inch above the
plane of the lowered tailgate when unloaded, so that the platform
surface will be approximately flush with the lowered tailgate when
supporting a load of, for example, between approximately 200 pounds
and 300 pounds, thereby taking the majority of the load's weight
off of the lowered tailgate.
[0010] The platform support structure operates to support the
platform surface and to provide additional rigidity thereto. The
coupling sleeve operates to removably and adjustably couple the
deck with a first end of the support structure. The coupling sleeve
is preferably adjustable upon the first end so as to accommodate
achieving the aforementioned preferred horizontal spacing between
the platform surface and the lowered tailgate. A rearward-facing
portion of the platform support structure or of the coupling sleeve
may include a license plate attachment mechanism for securing and
properly displaying a license plate which would not otherwise be
properly visible if secured to the truck in a conventional
location.
[0011] The support structure operates to couple the device with the
truck and to support the deck in its aforementioned preferred
position. The support structure includes the first end, a second
end, and a center section. The first end is substantially parallel
with the lowered tailgate, and is received within the coupling
sleeve of the deck, as previously mentioned. The second end is also
parallel with the lowered tailgate, though substantially offset
from and lower than the first end, and is operable to be removably
received within the receiver of the truck in order to securely
couple the device therewith. The center section provides proper
vertical and horizontal offset between the first and second ends so
that the platform surface will be in its preferred position
substantially adjacent to and substantially flush with the lowered
tailgate.
[0012] The signal light system is operable to electrically couple
with the truck's electrical system, particularly its signaling
system, and to communicate visible signals which substantially
correspond to visible signals communicated by the truck's existing
electrical system. The signal light system preferably includes left
and right brake lights and left and right turn signals. The brake
lights operate substantially conventionally to visibly warn
following vehicles that the truck is actively braking; the turn
signals operate substantially conventionally to visibly warn
following vehicles that the truck is going to turn. This feature is
particularly important as, even where the device itself does not
obstruct viewing of the truck's existing signal lights, the load
carried thereon may do so.
[0013] A preferred second embodiment of the device includes an
adjustable hitch structure, which may include, for example, a
conventional ball hitch, operable to couple the truck with a
trailer or other towed vehicle via the device.
[0014] Thus, it will be appreciated that the device of the present
invention provides a number advantages over the prior art,
including, for example, providing a substantially planar platform
suitable, for example, for resting and supporting wheels or legs
upon. Furthermore, horizontal positioning of the device is
advantageously adjustable relative to the lowered tailgate so that
a desired closeness and clearance can be achieved. Additionally,
vertical positioning of the device may be advantageously offset
from the plane of the lowered tailgate when unloaded so as to be
flush therewith when loaded. Additionally, the device provides a
signaling system, including brake lights and left and right turns
signals, which is electrically coupleable with the truck's
electrical system so as to make brake and turning signals visible
to following drivers, thereby making the device safer and more
compliant with the law than prior art support mechanisms.
Additionally, the device provides a license plate attachment
mechanism for securing a license plate in a position where it is
properly visible to following drivers. Additionally, in one
embodiment, the device advantageously provides a hitch structure
for coupling the truck with a trailer or towed vehicle via the
device.
[0015] These and other important aspects of the present invention
are more fully described in the section entitled DETAILED
DESCRIPTION, below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described
in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures,
wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a preferred first
embodiment of the device of the present invention, wherein the
device is mounted upon a conventional truck;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the device of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the device of FIG. 1;
and
[0020] FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a preferred second
embodiment of the device of the present invention, wherein the
device includes a hitch structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] Referring to the figures, a truck bed extension device 10 is
shown constructed in accordance with a preferred first embodiment
of the present invention. The device 10 is operable to enhance the
cargo hauling or carrying ability of a truck 12 such that a hauled
item which would have otherwise unsafely extended beyond or
overhung an existing cargo bed structure of the truck 12 is instead
safely and securely supported for transport. The truck 12 may be,
for example, a conventional pickup truck including the existing bed
structure having a hinged and lowerable tailgate 16; a bumper 18;
and a Reese-type trailer receiver 20. Alternatively, the truck 12
may be, for example, a conventional flatbed truck, with or without
a hinged and lowerable tailgate.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the device 10 broadly comprises a
deck 24; a support structure 26; and a signaling system 28.
Referring particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the deck 24 is operable to
safely and securely support the item which overhangs the existing
bed structure. The deck 24 includes a platform surface 32, a
platform support structure 34, and a coupling sleeve 36. The
platform surface 32 provides a substantially flat planar surface
upon which the item or a portion thereof can rest. The platform
surface 32 may be constructed of any suitable lightweight and
strong material, such as, for example, commonly-available metal
mesh material, sheetmetal, or a plurality of approximately 1 inch
thick planks of wood, and may be covered with a wear-resistant or
slip-resistant material, such as, for example, rubber. As
illustrated, the platform 32 is approximately 2 feet long, between
approximately 4 feet and 6 feet wide (or as wide as a rear edge of
the lowered tailgate 16). Alternatively, particularly where the
tailgate 16 has been removed or, more generally, where the cargo
bed structure does not include a tailgate, the platform 32 may be
between approximately 2 feet and 4 feet long. The platform surface
32 is preferably spaced substantially adjacent to the lowered
tailgate 16, being spaced no more than between approximately 0.25
inch and 1.00 inch horizontally apart therefrom. Additionally, the
deck 24 is preferably substantially vertically flush with the
lowered tailgate 16, being positioned between approximately 0.25
inch and 1.00 inch above the plane of the lowered tailgate 16 when
unloaded so that the platform surface 32 will be approximately
flush with the lowered tailgate 16 when supporting a load of, for
example, between approximately 200 pounds and 300 pounds, thereby
taking the majority of the load's weight off of the lowered
tailgate 16. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, the edges of the
platform surface 32 may be rounded or otherwise softened so as to
reduce risk of bruising or other injury when moving about the
device 10, such as, for example, when tying down the load.
[0023] The platform support structure 34 operates to support the
platform surface 32 and to provide additional rigidity thereto. As
illustrated, the platform support structure 34 includes a perimeter
piece 38 substantially surrounding a perimeter or outer edge of the
platform surface 32, and one or more substantially straight ribs
(not shown) directly underlying the platform 32 and welded or
otherwise secured to the perimeter piece 38. The perimeter piece 38
may be flush with a top portion of the platform surface 32 or may
extend between approximately 0.25 inch and 1.00 inch thereabove to
aid in retaining the item on the platform surface 32. The platform
support structure 34 is preferably constructed substantially of
commonly available 1 inch square tubing, or, alternatively, of a
similarly lightweight and strong material. The ribs add rigidity to
the platform surface 32 and may extend lengthwise or widthwise or
any combination thereof with respect to the platform surface
32.
[0024] As desired, one or more railings or grab bars 40 may be
removably or permanently secured to one or more portions the
perimeter piece 38 so as to project a desired and reasonable
height, such as for example, 5 inches, above the top portion of the
platform surface 32. The railings or grab bars 40 provide a number
of advantages, including, for example, further aiding in retaining
the item on the platform surface 32. Furthermore, as desired, one
or more conventional light reflectors (not shown) may be secured at
various points about the perimeter piece 38 or elsewhere on the
device 10 for increased safety through added visibility.
[0025] The coupling sleeve 36 operates to removably and adjustably
couple the deck 24 with the support structure 26. As illustrated,
the coupling sleeve 36 is bolted or welded or otherwise removably
or permanently secured to an underside of the platform support
structure 34. The coupling sleeve 36 is preferably substantially
constructed of commonly available 2.5 inch box tubing, or,
alternatively, of a similarly lightweight and strong material. The
coupling sleeve 36 presents an opening operable to receive a first
end 50 of the support structure 26. The coupling sleeve 36 is
adjustable upon the received first end 50 so as to accommodate
achieving a proper or desired horizontal spacing between the
platform surface 32 and the lowered tailgate 16 or other cargo bed
structure. As previously mentioned, the platform surface 32 is
preferably spaced no more than between approximately 0.25 inch and
1.00 inch horizontally apart from the lowered tailgate 16 for most
applications. To accomplish the desired degree of removability and
adjustability, the coupling sleeve 36 may present one or more holes
44 which correspond to and are alignable with holes provided in the
first end 50 of the support structure 26 and which are operable to
removably receive pins or bolts for securely coupling the deck 24
with the support structure 26. Alternatively, any suitable coupling
and adjustment mechanism may be used for this purpose. Regardless
of the mechanism used, however, the coupling sleeve 36 is
preferably operable to cooperate with the first end 50 of the
support structure 26 to allow the deck 24 and, more particularly,
the platform surface 32 to be adjustable at least up to
approximately 6.00 inches relative to the support structure 26 so
as to allow for achieving the desired degree of separation between
the platform surface 32 and the lowered tailgate 16.
[0026] The coupling sleeve 36 may present one or more tapped holes
along its length for receiving one or more set screws or bolts 45.
It will be appreciated that the mounted deck 24 may experience
substantial play or movability due to excessive clearance between
the interior of the coupling sleeve 36 and the first end 50
received therewithin. Tightening the set screws or bolts 45 within
the tapped holes forces the set screws or bolts 45 into contact
with the first end 50, thereby forcing the first end 50 against an
opposite internal side of the coupling sleeve 36, which
substantially increases the stability of the deck 24 by minimizing
or substantially eliminating any undesired play or movability.
Alternatively, shims or other mechanism might be used to reduce or
substantially eliminate any undesired play or movability.
[0027] A rearward-facing portion of the platform support structure
34 or the coupling sleeve 36 may include a license plate attachment
mechanism 46 or similar structure for securing and properly
displaying a license plate which would not otherwise be properly
visible if secured to the back of the truck in a conventional
location. The license plate attachment mechanism 46 may take any
suitable form, including, for example, one or more bolt holes 47
for bolting the license plate to the device 10.
[0028] The support structure 26 operates to safely and securely
support the deck 24 in its aforementioned preferred position. The
support structure 26 is preferably constructed of commonly
available 2.0 inch box tubing, or, alternatively, of a similarly
lightweight and strong material. The support structure 26 includes
the first end 50, a second end 52, and a center section 54. The
first end 50 is substantially parallel with the plane of the
lowered tailgate 16 and is received within the coupling sleeve 36
of the deck 24, as described above. The first end 50 includes one
or more holes which are alignable with the one or more holes 44 in
the coupling sleeve 36 and operable, when so aligned, to removably
receive pins or bolts placed therethrough for securely coupling the
deck 24 with the support structure 26.
[0029] The second end 52 is also parallel with the plane of the
lowered tailgate 16, though substantially offset from and lower
than the first end 50, and is operable to be removably received
within the receiver 20 of the truck 12 in order to securely couple
the device 10 with the truck 12. In order to accomplish such
coupling, the second end 52 may present one or more holes 56
corresponding to and aligned with holes provided in the receiver 20
and operable to removably receive pins or bolts for securely
coupling the support structure 26 with the receiver 20.
Alternatively, any suitable removable or permanent mechanism may be
used for this purpose.
[0030] The center section 54 provides a proper vertical and
horizontal offset between the first and second ends 50, 52 so that,
when the deck 24 is coupled with the first end 50, the platform
surface 32 will be in its proper position substantially adjacent to
and substantially flush with the lowered tailgate 16. The first end
50, second end 52 and center section 54 may be constructed of a
single piece of material which has been appropriately bent, or may
be constructed of multiple pieces securely coupled together, such
as by welding. In either case, however, the intersection of the
second end 52 and the center section 54 is preferably strengthened
by a gusset 60, bracket, or other structural support placed
thereabout. The gusset 60 maybe constructed, for example, of 0.25
inch plate metal welded to either side of the intersection.
[0031] Referring particularly to FIG. 3, the signal light system 28
is operable to electrically couple with an existing electrical
system, particularly a signaling system, of the truck 12 and to
communicate visible signals which substantially correspond to
visible signals communicated by the existing electrical system. The
signal light system 28 preferably includes left and right brake
lights 64a, 64b and left and right turn signals 66a, 66b. The brake
lights 64a, 64b operate substantially conventionally to visibly
warn following vehicles that the truck 12 is actively braking; the
turn signals 66a, 66b operate substantially conventionally to
visibly warn following vehicles that the truck 12 is going to turn.
In a typically prior art truck bed extension device, the truck's
signaling lights are behind the device or load carried thereon and
are obstructed from view, thereby creating a potentially unsafe
situation where a following vehicle is unaware of an impending
braking or turning action of the truck 12. The signal light system
28 of the present invention, however, repeats these action signals
in a location where the following driver is much more likely to see
them, thereby substantially increasing driving safety. This feature
is particularly important as, even where the device 10 itself does
not obstruct viewing of the truck's existing signal lights, the
load carried thereon may do so.
[0032] Referring also to FIG. 4, a preferred second embodiment of
the device 110 of the present invention is shown which is
substantially similar to the above-described first embodiment,
including the deck 124; the support structure 126; and the
signaling system 128. The second embodiment, however, also includes
a hitch structure 170, which may include, for example, a
conventional ball hitch 171, operable to couple the truck 12 with a
trailer or other towed vehicle via the device 110. In a typical
prior art truck bed extension device, the device either takes the
place or obstructs use of an existing hitch. The hitch structure
170 of the present invention, however, advantageously provides the
ability to tow while the device 110 is mounted.
[0033] As illustrated, inclusion of the hitch structure 170 is
accomplished by adding a third end 172 which projects rearwardly
beyond the intersection of the second end 152 and the center
section 154. The hitch structure 170 is secured to a rearmost
portion of the third end 172 where use of the hitch structure 170
is not substantially inhibited by the presence of the remainder of
the device 110. As desired, the third end 172 may take the form of
sleeve operable to adjustably receive the hitch structure 170. In
this event, one or more holes 176, 178 may be provided in both the
third end 172 and in the hitch structure 170 received therein,
wherein the holes 176, 178 are operable to align and to removably
receive pins or bolts for securing the hitch structure 170 in a
desired position relative to the third end 172, so as to allow the
ball hitch 171 to be spaced more or less apart therefrom. As
desired, the gusset 160 may be increased in size to include the
third end 172, thereby structurally strengthening the intersection
of the second end 152, the third end 172, and the center section
154. Furthermore, as desired, the third end 172 and the second end
152 may be opposite ends of a single piece of material.
[0034] Additionally, an additional structural member 174 may be
included extending between the third end 172 and either the first
end 150 or an upper portion of the center section 154, thereby
providing additional support for the deck 124 and enhancing the
stability of the third end 172. The additional structural member
174 is preferably constructed of commonly available 2.0 inch or 2.5
inch box tubing, or, alternatively, of a similarly lightweight and
strong material.
[0035] In exemplary use and operation, the second end 52 of the
support structure 26 is placed within the receiver 20 such that the
one or more holes 56 in the receiver 20 align with the
corresponding holes in the second end 52, whereafter a pin or bolt
may be set through the aligned holes, thereby securing the device
10 to the truck 12. The tailgate 16 may then be lowered and the
coupling sleeve 36 of the deck 24 placed over the first end 50 of
the support structure 26. The deck 24 is then adjusted upon the
first end 50 until the platform surface 32 is the preferred
distance from the lowered tailgate 16 and one or more of the holes
44 in the coupling sleeve are aligned with corresponding holes in
the first end 50, whereafter a pin or bolt may be set through the
aligned holes, thereby securing the deck 24 in position. The
signaling system 28 is then electrically connected to the existing
electrical system of the truck 12 using, for example, a
conventional and commonly available towing connector for removably
coupling the signaling system of a towing vehicle with that of a
towed vehicle. Lastly, the truck's license plate may be bolted to
the rear of the device 10 using the license plate attachment
mechanism 46.
[0036] Where the hitch structure 170 is included and desired to be
used, a trailer or other towed vehicle may be coupled therewith
following completion of the above procedure. Where the hitch
structure 170 is adjustable within the third end 172, the hitch
structure 170 may be slidably adjusted to a desired position and
then secured prior to coupling the trailer therewith.
[0037] From the preceding description, it can be appreciated that
the device 10 of the present invention provides substantial
advantages over the prior art, including, for example, that the
device 10 provides a substantially planar platform surface 32
suitable, for example, for resting and supporting wheels or legs
upon. Furthermore, horizontal positioning of the device 10 is
advantageously adjustable relative to the existing cargo bed
structure so that a desired closeness and clearance can be
achieved. Additionally, vertical positioning of the device 10 may
be offset from the plane of the lowered tailgate 16 when unloaded
so as to be flush therewith when loaded. Additionally, the device
10 provides a signaling system 28, including brake lights 64a, 64b
and left and right turn signals 66a,66b, which is electrically
coupleable with the truck's electrical system so as to make brake
and turn signals visible to following drivers, thereby making the
device 10 safer and more compliant with the law than prior art
truck bed extension devices. Additionally, the device 10 provides a
license plate attachment mechanism for securing a license plate in
a position where it is properly visible to following drivers.
Additionally, in one embodiment, the device 110 advantageously
provides a hitch structure 170 for coupling the truck 12 with a
trailer or towed vehicle via the device 110.
[0038] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached
drawings, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and
substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the
present invention as recited in the claims. Furthermore,
applications are contemplated for the device 10 herein described
that require only minor modifications to the device 10 as
disclosed. Thus, for example, alternative embodiments are
contemplated wherein the device 10 is coupled with a front or side
rather than a rear of the truck 12. In this case, all references to
a rear of the truck 12 or the device 10 should be interpreted,
where appropriate, as "facing away from" the truck 12. Furthermore,
though described herein as having certain preferred dimensions and
being constructed of various preferred materials, any suitable
dimensions and materials may be used without departing from the
contemplated scope of the present invention.
[0039] Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the
invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by
Letters Patent includes the following:
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