U.S. patent application number 13/087140 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-18 for collapsible storage container for a bed of a truck.
Invention is credited to Robert Roach, Craig Wieland.
Application Number | 20120261451 13/087140 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47005689 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120261451 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roach; Robert ; et
al. |
October 18, 2012 |
Collapsible Storage Container for a Bed of a Truck
Abstract
In an embodiment, a collapsible storage container for a bed of a
pickup truck includes a set of panels, a connection system, and an
attachment system. The set of panels are configured to form an
enclosed area in a bed of a pickup truck. The set of panels are
movable into a collapsed state and an uncollapsed state. In the
collapsed state, the set of panels allow for substantially all of
the bed of the pickup truck to be used. In the uncollapsed state,
the set of panels form an enclosed area. The connection system
connects the set of panels together such that the panels are
movable into a collapsed state and an uncollapsed state. The
attachment system is configured to connect the set of panels to the
bed of the pickup truck.
Inventors: |
Roach; Robert; (Holt,
MI) ; Wieland; Craig; (Mason, MI) |
Family ID: |
47005689 |
Appl. No.: |
13/087140 |
Filed: |
April 14, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/404 ;
296/37.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 9/065 20130101;
Y10T 29/49826 20150115; Y10T 29/4998 20150115; B60P 7/0892
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/404 ;
296/37.6 |
International
Class: |
B60R 9/00 20060101
B60R009/00 |
Claims
1. A collapsible storage container for a bed of a pickup truck,
comprising: a set of panels that are configured to form an enclosed
area in a bed of a pickup truck, wherein the set of panels are
movable into a collapsed position and an uncollapsed position and
wherein the set of panels, in the collapsed position, may be used
as the bed of the pickup truck; a connection system that connects
the set of panels together, wherein the connection system allows
the set of panels to be movable into the collapsed position and the
uncollapsed position; and an attachment system that is configured
to connect the set of panels to the bed of the pickup truck.
2. The collapsible storage container of claim 1, wherein the set of
panels includes a plurality of panels.
3. The collapsible storage container of claim 2, wherein the set of
panels includes a top panel, a front panel, and a back panel.
4. The collapsible storage container of claim 1, wherein movable
includes foldable.
5. The collapsible storage container of claim 1, wherein movable
includes pivotable.
6. The collapsible storage container of claim 1, wherein movable
includes retractable.
7. The collapsible storage container of claim 1, wherein the set of
panels, when in the uncollapsed position, are located in an
open-top cargo area of the bed of the truck.
8. The collapsible storage container of claim 1, wherein the set of
panels, when in the collapsed position, allow all or substantially
all of an open-top cargo area of the bed of the truck to be used
for storing, hauling, or carrying.
9. A system comprising: a storage container that is configured to
be moved into and out of a collapsed position, wherein the storage
container includes an attachment system that is configured to
connect the storage container to a bed of a pickup truck and
wherein the storage container includes an enclosed area that is
located in an open-top cargo area of the bed of the pickup truck
when the storage container is moved out of the collapsed
position.
10. The system of claim 11, wherein the storage container is sized
to fit between walls of the bed of the pickup.
11. The system of claim 11, wherein the enclosed area forms the
interior of the collapsible storage container.
12. The system of claim 12, wherein the storage container is
weatherproof to protect one or more items placed in the enclosed
area when out of the collapsed position.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the storage container is
located in the bed of the truck.
14. The system of claim 11, further comprising an attachment system
that connects the storage container to the bed of the pickup
truck.
15. The system of claim 11, further comprising a support system
that supports the storage container when moved out of the collapsed
position.
16. The system of claim 11, further comprising a connection system
that connects two or more panels of the storage container together
and allows the storage container to move into and out of the
collapsed position.
17. A bed of a pickup truck, comprising: an open-top cargo area
that located between one or more side walls, a tailgate, and a
floor, wherein the open-top cargo area is sized to receive a
collapsible storage container and the one or more side walls, the
tailgate, or the floor are configured to receive the collapsible
storage container; wherein the collapsible storage container is
configured to be moved into and out of a collapsed position,
wherein the collapsible storage container includes an attachment
system that is configured to connect the storage container to
either the one or more side walls, the tailgate, or the floor, and
wherein the storage container includes an enclosed area that is
located in an open-top cargo area of the bed of the pickup truck
when the storage container is moved out of the collapsed
position.
18. The storage container of claim 17, wherein the enclosed area is
located outside of the one or more side walls, the tailgate, or the
floor, when the collapsible storage container is moved out of the
collapsed position.
19. The storage container of claim 17, wherein the enclosed area is
the interior of the collapsible storage container.
20. The storage container of claim 17, wherein the collapsible
storage container allows for substantially all of the bed of the
truck to be used as a bed of the truck when in the collapsed
position.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present embodiments generally relate to storage
containers for pickup trucks.
[0002] A pickup truck (which may be referred to as a truck) is a
motor vehicle or automobile with an open-top rear cargo area which
is generally (but does not have to be) separated from a cabin to
allow for chassis flex when carrying or pulling heavy loads. The
open-top rear cargo area is generally referred to as the bed of the
truck. The bed of the truck is generally configured to store,
carry, or haul various items. However, because the bed of the truck
has an open top (i.e., is not covered), the various items are
generally exposed to the weather and/or the possibility of theft.
Furthermore, because of the bed of the truck is generally sized to
store, carry, or haul larger items (e.g., gravel and wood), smaller
items (e.g., groceries or tools) may slide around the bed of the
truck. For some items, such as gravel, wood, and landscaping items,
being exposed to the possibility of weather, theft, and sliding
around is generally not a problem. However, for other items, such
as carpentry tools, groceries, and clothes, being exposed to the
possibility of weather, theft, and sliding around is generally not
acceptable. In some situations, the person using the truck may
choose to place these items in the cabin of the truck to prevent
exposure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Example embodiments are described herein with reference to
the following drawings.
[0004] FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a collapsible storage
container in an uncollapsed position.
[0005] FIG. 1B illustrates an example of a collapsible storage
container in a collapsed position.
[0006] FIG. 2A-2C illustrate examples of a collapsible storage
container with an attachment system.
[0007] FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a collapsible storage
container in a collapsed position.
[0008] FIG. 3B illustrates an example of a collapsible storage
container that is being moved from a collapsed position to an
uncollapsed position.
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an example collapsible
storage container in a collapsed position.
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an example collapsible
storage container in a collapsed position.
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a side panel of a
collapsible storage container.
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a collapsible storage
container in a collapsed position.
[0013] FIG. 8A illustrates another example of a collapsible storage
container in a collapsed position.
[0014] FIGS. 8B-8D illustrate another example of a collapsible
storage container that is being moved from a collapsed position to
an uncollapsed position.
[0015] FIG. 9A-9C illustrate another example of a collapsible
storage container that is being moved from a collapsed position to
an uncollapsed position.
[0016] FIGS. 10A-B illustrate another example of a collapsible
storage container that is being moved from a collapsed position to
an uncollapsed position.
[0017] FIG. 11A-11B illustrate another example of a collapsible
storage container that is being moved from a collapsed position to
an uncollapsed position.
[0018] FIG. 12A-12E illustrate examples of a bedliner that is
configured to receive a collapsible storage container.
[0019] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an electronic system that
controls a collapsible storage container.
[0020] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a computing device that
controls a collapsible storage container.
[0021] FIG. 15 illustrates another example of an electronic system
that controls a collapsible storage container.
[0022] FIGS. 16A-16D illustrate examples of accessing a collapsible
storage container when in an uncollapsed position.
[0023] The following detailed description may be better understood
when read in conjunction with the drawings which show certain
example embodiments. The drawings are for the purpose of
illustrating concepts, but it is understood that the inventions are
not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the
drawings.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0024] The present embodiments relate to a collapsible storage
container for a bed of a truck. A collapsible storage container is
a storage container that may be collapsed or uncollapsed. When
collapsed, the storage container allows for all or substantially
all of a bed of a truck to be used. However, when uncollapsed,
various items may be placed in the interior of the storage
container. The items may be protected from the possibility of
weather, theft, and sliding around the bed of the truck, for
example. The collapsible storage container may transition, either
manually or electronically, between a collapsed position and
uncollapsed position. As a result, the collapsible storage
container allows a user to utilize a storage container in the bed
of the truck (e.g., when the collapsible storage container is
uncollapsed), but also utilize all or substantially all of the bed
of the truck (e.g., when the collapsible storage container is
collapsed).
[0025] As used herein, the term "collapsible" includes foldable,
pivotable, or otherwise movable into and out of a collapsed
position and/or uncollapsed position. "Collapsed" may include caved
in, folded, pivoted, broke down, reduced in size, or otherwise
moved from an uncollapsed position to a collapsed position.
"Uncollapsed" may include extended, elongated, enlarged, expanded,
fanned out, heightened, increased, lengthened, let out, opened,
prolonged, prolongated, raised, spun out, spreaded, stretched,
unfolded, unrolled, widened, or otherwise moved from a collapsed
position to an uncollapsed position.
[0026] In an embodiment, a collapsible storage container for a bed
of a pickup truck includes a set of panels, a connection system,
and an attachment system. The set of panels are configured to form
an enclosed area in a bed of a pickup truck. The set of panels are
movable into a collapsed position and an uncollapsed position. The
set of panels, in the collapsed position, may be used as the bed of
the pickup truck. The connection system connects the set of panels
together. The connection system allows the set of panels to be
movable into the collapsed position and the uncollapsed position.
The attachment system is configured to connect the set of panels to
the bed of the pickup truck.
[0027] In another embodiment, a system includes a storage
container. The storage container is configured to be moved into and
out of a collapsed position. The storage container includes an
attachment system that is configured to connect the storage
container to a bed of a pickup truck. The storage container
includes an enclosed area that is located in an open-top cargo area
of the bed of the pickup truck when the storage container is moved
out of the collapsed position.
[0028] In yet another embodiment, a bed of a pickup truck includes
an open-top cargo area. The open-top cargo area is located between
one or more side walls, a tailgate, and a floor. The open-top cargo
area is sized to receive a collapsible storage container. Either
one or more of the side walls, the tailgate, or the floor are
configured to receive the collapsible storage container. The
collapsible storage container is configured to be moved into and
out of a collapsed position. The collapsible storage container
includes an attachment system that is configured to connect the
storage container to either the one or more side walls, the
tailgate, or the floor. The storage container includes an enclosed
area that is located in an open-top cargo area of the bed of the
pickup truck when the storage container is moved out of the
collapsed position.
[0029] Reference herein to "embodiment" means that a feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment. The
appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification is
not necessarily all referring to the same or single embodiment or
even different and mutually exclusive embodiments. Separate or
alternative embodiments are not mutually exclusive embodiments.
Instead, the embodiments described herein, explicitly and
implicitly understood by one skilled in the art, may be combined
with other embodiments. The embodiments and combinations thereof
are all within the scope of this patent document.
[0030] It is also worth noting that unless stated otherwise the
various embodiments disclosed herein are not limited in their
application to the details of design and arrangement of the
components set forth in the previous and following description or
as illustrated in the drawings. Instead, the previous description,
following description, and the drawings focus on presenting
concepts of various embodiments. The embodiments described herein
may stand alone or be combined with each other.
[0031] One or more of the embodiments may be embodied as a method,
system, article of manufacture, apparatus, or device. It should be
noted that the methods, systems, articles of manufacture,
apparatus, and devices provided herein are merely illustrative and
should not be considered as limiting. Accordingly, while the
following describes example methods, systems, articles of
manufacture, and apparatus, the examples provided are not the only
way to implement such methods, systems, articles of manufacture,
and apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a truck 100. The truck 100 includes a
cabin 110 and a bed 120. The bed 120 is generally (but does not
have to be) separated from (e.g., independent of) the cabin 110 to
allow for chassis flex when carrying or pulling heavy loads. The
cabin 110 is coupled with the bed 120. As used herein, the term
"coupled with" may include a direct connection or indirect
connection via one or more intermediary components. For example,
the cabin 110 may be welded directly to the bed 120 or connected
via a motor-vehicle chassis. The truck 100 may include additional,
different, or fewer components.
[0033] The truck 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a pickup truck. As will be
discussed in more detail below, a pickup truck includes side walls
along the edge of the bed 120. However, in some embodiments, a
collapsible storage container in accordance with an embodiment may
be installed in or used with a vehicle that is pulling a trailer or
even a semi-truck. For example, a collapsible storage container may
be installed on a trailer that does not include as many (e.g.,
relative to a pickup) or any side walls along the edges of the
floor of the trailer. In another example, a collapsible storage
container may be installed in a semi-truck (e.g., near the rear
doors).
[0034] The cabin 110 is an enclosed space where at least the driver
is seated when driving the truck 100. The cabin 110 may be referred
to as a "cab." The cabin 110 may be any now known or later
developed cabin of a truck. For example, the cabin 110 may be a
standard cabin, extended (or super) cabin, or crew cabin. A
standard cabin has a single row of seats and a single set of doors,
one on each side. Most pickups have a front bench seat that can be
used by two or more people; however, various manufacturers have
begun to offer individual seats with a console in the middle of the
seats. An extended cabin includes additional space behind the main
seating area. This additional space may be accessed by reclining
the front bench forward or a rear access door on one or both sides
of the cabin 110. A rear access door may be a door hinged on the
trailing edge, which is the edge closer to the rear of the truck
100. One or more seats may be placed in the area behind the front
bench. For example, in an embodiment, the cabin 110 may include a
side-facing seat that can fold into the walls behind the front
bench. However, in other embodiments, a full bench may be placed in
the back. A crew cabin may be a cabin with four-doors. A crew cabin
includes seating for up to five or six people on two full benches
and full-size front-hinged doors on both sides. Most crew cab
pickups have a shorter bed or box to reduce their overall
length.
[0035] The bed 120 includes one or more side walls 122, a tailgate
124, and a floor 126. The side walls 122, tailgate 124, and floor
126 are configured to form an open-top cargo area 128. The open-top
cargo area 128 may be used for carrying or hauling cargo, such as
tools, gravel, groceries, clothes, or other items. Because the bed
120 is an open-top cargo area 128, the various items being carried
or hauled are exposed to the weather and the possibility of theft.
For some items, such as gravel and wood, weather and/or theft are
generally not a problem. However, for other items, such as
carpentry tools, groceries, and clothes, being exposed to the
weather and theft are generally a concern.
[0036] In an embodiment, the bed 120 includes a collapsible storage
container 130. As shown in FIG. 1A, the bed 120 includes a
collapsible storage container 130 in an uncollapsed position.
"Uncollapsed" may include extended, elongated, enlarged, expanded,
fanned out, heightened, increased, lengthened, let out, opened,
prolonged, prolongated, raised, spun out, spread, spread out,
stretched, unfolded, unrolled, widened, or otherwise moved from a
collapsed position to an uncollapsed position. In the uncollapsed
position, the collapsible storage container 130 is not collapsed.
In the uncollapsed position, the storage container 130 may be
enclosed and configured to store, haul, or carry cargo. In other
words, the collapsible storage container 130 may be closed off on
all sides. The inside or interior of the storage container 130 may
be used as a cargo container to prevent cargo from sliding, being
exposed to weather, and/or being stolen.
[0037] When in the uncollapsed position, the collapsible storage
container 130 is in the bed 120 of the truck 100. The collapsible
storage container 130 when uncollapsed may take up space of the bed
120 of the truck. For example, the collapsible storage container
130 when uncollapsed may take up more space of the bed 120 than the
collapsible storage container 130 when collapsed. Relative to the
collapsed position, the uncollaped position may require more cubic
footage of the bed 120.
[0038] In some embodiments, although one or more of the side walls
of the collapsible storage container 130 may share side walls with
the bed 120 of the truck 100, the inside or interior of the storage
container 130 (i.e., the area that stores, hauls, or carries cargo)
is disposed in the open-top cargo area 128. For example, when
uncollapsed, the inside or interior of the collapsible storage
container 130 may be disposed between the side walls 122 and the
tailgate 124, as well as being above the floor 126. The interior or
inside of the collapsible storage container 130, when uncollapsed,
is not inside the side walls of the bed 120 of the truck 100 or
beneath the floor 126. For example, the collapsible storage
container 130 is not a container inside of a compartment built in a
side wall 122. Instead, the inside or interior of the collapsible
storage container 130 may be disposed in the open-top cargo area
128. For example, the inside of the collapsible storage container
130 may be in the open-top cargo area when in the uncollapsed
position. In the collapsed position, the collapsible storage
container 130 may be unable to store, haul, or carry cargo.
[0039] The collapsible storage container 130, even in the
uncollapsed position, is generally smaller than the bed 120 of the
truck 100. For example, the bottom of the collapsible storage
container 130, when in the uncollapsed position, may be less than
half of the square footage of the bed 120 of the truck. In some
embodiments, the bottom of the collapsible storage container 130,
when in the uncollapsed position, may be less than a quarter of the
square footage of the bed 120 of the truck. In some embodiments,
the collapsible storage container 130 may be the same size or
almost the same size as the bed 120 of the truck 100. The term
"almost" accounts for the physical structure of the collapsible
storage container 130.
[0040] FIG. 1B illustrates the collapsible storage container 130 in
a collapsed position. As used herein, "collapsed" may include caved
in, folded, pivoted, broke down, reduced in size, or otherwise
moved from an uncollapsed position to a collapsed position. As will
be discussed in more detail below, "collapsible" includes foldable,
pivotable, retractable, or otherwise movable into and out of a
collapsed position and/or uncollapsed position. As such, the
collapsible storage container 130 is a storage container that
provides a user the opportunity to store, haul, or carry cargo in a
storage container in the bed 120 of the truck 100 but then, when
the bed 120 of the truck is desired, collapse the storage container
such that the bed 120 of the truck 100 may be used as a bed 120 of
the truck 100.
[0041] The collapsible storage container 130 is generally located,
when in the uncollapsed position, near the tailgate 124. This
location may allow a user to reach the collapsible storage
container 130 without climbing into the bed 120 of the truck 100.
However, the location of the collapsible storage container 130 is
not limited, for example, as long as it is disposed in the bed 120
when in an uncollapsed position. For example, the collapsible
storage container 130 may be disposed near the cab 110, as opposed
to near the tailgate 124. In this example, a user may reach over a
side wall 122 of the bed 120 or climb into the bed 120 to access
the collapsible storage container 130. Other locations and ways of
accessing the collapsible storage container 130 are included within
the scope of this description.
[0042] The collapsible storage container 130 may be made of one or
more materials. For example, the collapsible storage container 130
may be made of plastic, metal, wood, or other material. The
material may be weatherproof. For example, stainless steel or
plastic may be used to protect against rain and snow. The material
may also prevent or at least deter theft. For example, a hard
plastic, such as teflon, may be used to protect against both the
weather and theft.
[0043] The collapsible storage container 130 may include a security
system. The security system may include an alarm system that alarms
a user or others near the collapsible storage container 130 when
the interior of collapsible storage container 130 is being accessed
with authorization. For example, the collapsible storage container
130 may include an audio alarm that sounds an alarm if the
collapsible storage container 130 is opened without disabling or
disarming the alarm. The audio alarm may alert others in the nearby
area that the collapsible storage container 130 is being opened.
The alarm system may include a key pad or wireless remote system
that allows the user to disarm the alarm system and access the
collapsible storage container 130 without the alarm being
triggered.
[0044] One or more of the side walls of the collapsible storage
container 130 may be configured to provide access to the inside or
interior of the collapsible storage container 130. For example, one
of the side walls may fold down or up to allow access to the inside
of the storage container when in an uncollapsed position. In other
embodiments, instead of moving the entire side wall, a door or
window may be provided to the inside of the collapsible storage
container 130. In some embodiments, both a side wall that provides
access (e.g., folds up) and a door may be provided. When something
large needs to be retrieved from or placed in the inside of the
collapsible storage container, one or more side walls may be folded
down or up, for example. However, a door or window may also be
provided to allow the user to retrieve or place something small on
the inside of the collapsible storage container. When access is not
needed, the one or more sides may be configured to prevent access
to the inside.
[0045] When in the collapsed position, the collapsible storage
container 130 takes up little (if any) of the open-top cargo area
128. The collapsible storage container 130 may be unable to store,
carry, or haul cargo when in the collapsed position. When the
storage container 130 in an uncollapsed position, the storage
container 130 provides a storage container that may be used to
store, carry and haul cargo. The collapsible storage container 130,
when uncollapsed, may be weatherproof and/or secure from theft,
such that the cargo inside the collapsible storage container 130 is
protected from the weather and theft. Weatherproof may include
protection against rain, snow, wind, or other weather. Secure from
theft may include protection against theft. For example, the
collapsible storage container 130 may deter or slow down a theft
(e.g., relative to not having a collapsible storage container
130).
[0046] The collapsible storage container 130 may be manually and/or
electrically moved from a collapsed position to an uncollapsed
position. For example, a user may manually move the collapsible
storage container 130 between the collapsed and uncollapsed
positions. The collapsible storage container 130 may include one or
more handles that are used for assisting with converting between
the collapsed and uncollapsed positions. In another example, the
collapsible storage container may be automatically (with zero or
little assistance from a user) moved. The collapsible storage
container 130 may be connected to an electrical system that
automatically moves the collapsible storage container 130. A user
may initiate movement (e.g., by pressing or pressing and holding a
button) between the movements. The electrical system then drives
the collapsible storage container 130 between the positions.
[0047] The collapsible storage container 130 may include one or
more compartments or sections. The interior of the collapsible
storage container 130 may include a compartment system that allows
a user to compartmentalize the inside or interior of the
collapsible storage container 130. For example, the inside or
interior may include two compartments. One compartment may be a
smaller compartment that is used to carry items that are likely to
move around, such as groceries. Another compartment may be larger
(e.g., relative to the smaller compartment) and used to carry
larger items, such as tools, computers, etc.
[0048] It is noted that there may be one or more intermediary
positions between a completely collapsed position (i.e., unable to
store, carry, or haul any cargo) and a completely uncollapsed
position. For example, the collapsible storage container 130 may be
partially collapsed and able to store, carry, or haul some cargo.
In a partially collapsed position, the collapsible storage
container 130 is unable to store, carry, or haul as much cargo as
when in the completely uncollapsed position but is still able to
store, carry, or haul some cargo. However, because the collapsible
storage container 130 is partially collapsed, the storage container
130 does not require as much cubic footage of the bed 120 as the
storage container 130 in a completely uncollapsed position.
[0049] The collapsible storage container 130 includes an attachment
system 144. The attachment system 144 may be used to connect or
attach the collapsible storage container 130 to the bed 120 of the
truck 100. The attachment system 144 may include screws, hooks,
rods, snap-in modules, or other mechanisms for securing or fixing
the storage container 130 to the bed 120 of the truck 100. In some
embodiments, as will be discussed in more detail below, the
attachment system 144 may be distributed between the collapsible
storage container 130 and the bed 120 (or other component, such as
a bed liner, that attaches to the bed 120). For example, the
collapsible storage container 130 may include a male component that
connects (e.g., snaps, screws, or otherwise attaches) into a female
component of the bed 120 or vice-versa.
[0050] The collapsible storage container 130 may include a support
system. The support system may be used to support the collapsible
storage container 130 in an uncollapsed position. The support
system may be rigid side walls (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A), a hook
system, a telescoping rod system, or other system that is able to
hold or maintain the collapsible storage container 130 in an
uncollapsed position.
[0051] For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, in some embodiments, the
side walls of the collapsible storage container 130 are able to
support themselves in the uncollapsed position. The side walls of
the collapsible storage container 130 may be rigid and able to
remain in an uncollapsed position. However, in other embodiments,
the collapsible storage container 130 may need additional support.
For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the collapsible storage container
130 may include bellows for the side walls (e.g., as will be
explained below for FIG. 9A-9C). The side walls are not
self-supporting in the uncollapsed position. As shown in FIG. 2A, a
hook system 200 may be used to hook a top, bottom, or side wall of
the collapsible storage container 130 in an uncollapsed position. A
hook 202, which is coupled with the collapsible storage container
130, may be hooked to a latch 204 on the top of the side walls 122
of the bed 120 of the truck 100. The hook 202 may hook onto the
latch 204 to support the collapsible storage container 130.
[0052] In another example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the support system
200 may include rods 210 that may be placed in an indentation 212
on the top of the side walls of the bed of the truck. The
indentation 212 may keep the rods 210 from sliding around.
[0053] In yet another example, as shown in FIG. 2C, the support
system 200 may include one or more telescoping rods 220. The one or
more telescoping rods 220 may be coupled with the collapsible
storage container 130. When the one or more more telescoping rods
220 are extended, the telescoping rods 220 may hold the collapsible
storage container 130 in an uncollapsed position. In order to move
the collapsible storage container 130 into a collapsed position,
the telescoping rods may decrease in length (e.g., one portion of a
telescoping rod may slide into another portion and so on). When in
a collapsed position, the telescoping rod system 2030 and the
collapsible storage container 130 may be flush with the rest of the
bed of the truck.
Foldable Storage Container(s)
[0054] FIG. 3A-3B illustrate a collapsible storage container 130
that is foldable. The collapsible storage container 130 may be
folded from a collapsed position into an uncollapsed position.
Likewise, the collapsible storage container 130 may be unfolded
from the uncollapsed position into a collapsed position.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 3A, the collapsible storage container 130
includes a bottom side panel 132, a front side panel 134, a back
side panel 136, a top side panel 138, a left side panel 140, and a
right side panel 142. It is noted that the descriptions "bottom,"
"front," "back," "top," "left," and "right" are from the
perspective of facing the front of the truck 100. (e.g., as used
herein, the "front" is toward the cabin 110, the "bottom" is toward
the ground, the "right" is toward the driver side of the truck in
the United States). However, other descriptions may be used, for
example, in the event that the collapsible storage unit 130 or
truck 100 is rotated. The descriptions are intended to help
illustrate the concepts and not limit the mechanics, structure, or
various embodiments. A panel may be referred to as a wall or side
of the collapsible storage container 130.
[0056] FIG. 3A illustrates the collapsible storage container 130 in
a collapsed position. In the collapsed position, the collapsible
storage container 130 provides use of all or substantially all of
the open-top cargo area 128, which is the area between the side
walls 122, tailgate 124, and floor 126. For example, in some
embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3A, four of the panels 132-138 of the
collapsible storage container 130 lay flat on the floor 126 (and/or
tailgate) of the bed 120, while two of the panels 140, 142 are
positioned against or adjacent to the sides 122 of the bed 120.
Substantially the entire bed 120 may be used for carrying and
hauling. As used at least in this example, "substantially" relates
to the space taken up by the side walls of the collapsible storage
container 120 when lying on top of or adjacent to the side walls
122, tailgate 124, and/or floor 126. For example, the term
"substantially" takes into account the physical structure of the
collapsible storage container 130. In another example, one or more
of the side walls 122, tailgate 124, and floor 126 include (e.g.,
are manufactured with) an indentation that allows the side panels
of the collapsible storage container 130 to be flush with the
remaining portion of the sides 122, tailgate 124, and/or floor 126.
The indentations allow for the entire bed 120 to be used for
carrying and hauling, since the side walls of the collapsible
storage container 130 are moved into the indentations when in a
collapsed position. The indentation may take into account the
physical structure of the collapsible storage container 130. For
example, if one or more of the panels are an inch thick, then the
indentation may be an inch deep to allow the one or more panels to
lay in the indentation.
[0057] FIG. 3B illustrates the collapsible storage container 130
being folded from a collapsed position into an uncollapsed
position. As shown by arrow 135, the front side panel 134 may fold
toward the left and right side panels 140, 142. As shown by arrow
139, the back side panel 136 may fold toward the left and right
sides 140, 142. In other words, the front side panel 134 and back
side wall 136 may fold toward each other and connect with the left
and right side panels 140, 142 to form an open-top storage
container. However, as shown by arrow 137, as the front side wall
134 is folded up, the top side wall 138 may fold onto, along, or
adjacent to the top of the left and right side walls 140, 142 to
provide the top to the collapsible storage container 130. When
folded together and connected, the side walls 132-142 form an
enclosed area that may be used for storage, for example, while
driving or parked.
[0058] All or some of the walls 132-142 may stay connected using
connection system. The connection system may include magnets,
snaps, screws, hinges, or other connectors that connect all or some
of the panels 132-142 together. For example, in an embodiment, an
inter-lock mounting system may be used. In this example, the front
side wall 134 may include a male snap-in mount that inter-locks
with a female snap-in mount on the left and right side walls 140,
142. The other side walls may also include other similar
inter-locking connectors. In an embodiment, the connection system
may allow some, but not all, of the panels 132-142, to move. This
may be advantageous when the collapsible storage container is
uncollapsed. For example, the connection system may allow the top
panel 138 to move while the other panels 132-136 and 140-142 to
remain connected. This will allow a user to access the inside or
interior of the collapsible storage container 130, for example,
when uncollapsed.
[0059] In some embodiments, the left and right side panels 140, 142
may also lay flat on the floor 126 when collapsed. This may reduce
the interior size of the collapsible storage container 130 but may
also reduce the complexity of the design of the collapsible storage
container 130.
[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective of the collapsible
storage container 130 of FIGS. 3A-3B. As shown in FIG. 4, in
addition to the side panels 132-142, the collapsible storage
container 130 includes hinges 146 that couple at least some of the
side panels 132-142 with each other. The hinges 146 may be rubber
hinges or other hinges that are weatherproof (e.g., able to prevent
or deter water or other liquid from entering into the inside of the
Collapsible storage container 130). The hinges 146 may allow the
sides to collapse. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
the hinges 146 allow all or some of the panels 132-142 to fold away
from each other when the collapsible storage container 130 is
collapsed and fold toward each other (e.g., to form an enclosed
storage container) when uncollapsed.
[0061] The collapsible storage container 130 may include a lock
148. The lock 148 may be a locking system (e.g., including one or
more locks) that secures the collapsible storage container 130 when
uncollapsed. The lock 148 may prevent one, some, or all of the
walls from moving and providing access to the interior of the
collapsible storage container 130. In some embodiments, the lock
148 may include a lock and key system on an edge of a first panel
and an edge of a second panel. A user may insert a key into the
locking mechanism to lock the collapsible storage container 130.
The locking mechanism, when the collapsible storage container 130
is collapsed, may not extend out of the sides and snag objects
being placed into the bed 120 of the truck 100.
[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a collapsible
storage container 130 in a collapsed position (e.g., laying flat).
The collapsible storage container 130 may include an attachment
system 144. As mentioned above, the attachment system 144 may be
used to attach the collapsible storage container 130 to a bed of
the truck. For example, the attachment system 144 may be used to
hold, set, put, or place the collapsible storage container in a
rigid, permanent, non-movable, or secure position. The attachment
system 144 may prevent someone from easily removing the collapsible
storage container 130 from the bed of the truck.
[0063] An attachment system may be an invasive or non-invasive
attachment system. An invasive attachment system is an attachment
system that enters into the bed of the truck (e.g., is screwed into
the bed of the truck). However, a non-invasive attachment system is
an attachment system that attaches to the bed of the truck without
entry into the truck.
[0064] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate an example of an embodiment of an
attachment system 144. The attachment system 144 is a non-invasive
attachment system. The attachment system 168 includes an attachment
plate 150, pressure bolts 164, a rod and shaft system 166, 162, and
a gusset 160. Additional, different, or fewer components may be
provided. The collapsible storage container 130 may include or be
configured to connect to an attachment system 150. The attachment
system 144 attaches, secures or fixes the collapsible storage
container 130 to the bed 120. The attachment system 144 may be
attached to both the collapsible storage container 130 and the bed
120.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 5, the attachment plate 150 is secured to
the bottom side panel 132. Securing the attachment plate 150 to the
bottom side panel 132 may include screwing, nailing, gluing,
hinging, clamping, manufacturing as a single piece, or otherwise
attaching the two together. The pressure bolts 164 may be backed
out of the attachment plate 150 up against the side walls 122 of
the bed of the truck to secure the attachment plate 150 to the bed
of the truck. The pressure bolts 164 may include holes that allow a
lock (e.g., a pad lock) to be placed through the bolt 164 to
prevent it from being loosened. Once the screws are tight against
the bed of the truck, the attachment plate should not be able to be
removed or move around.
[0066] The bottom panel 132 may include one or more shafts 166. The
shafts 166 are sized to receive a rod 162 (shown in FIG. 6) that is
connected to the side panel 142. The rod 162 guides the side panel
142 as shown by arrow 152. FIG. 6 illustrates a side panel 142 and
the rod 162. A gusset 160 may be used to further support the
connection between the rod 162 and side panel 142. As shown in the
embodiment of FIGS. 5-6, the attachment system 144 may include a
rod 162 and a shaft 166. The rod 162 may extend into the shaft 154.
The shaft 166 may be a hole or tunnel that extends into the bottom
panel 132.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 7, the rod 162 and shaft 166 allow the side
panels 140, 142 to move adjacent to the side walls 122 of the bed
of the truck so that as much of the bed of the truck may be used as
possible. When in a collapsed position, the side walls 140, 142 may
be moved away from the bottom panel 132 and toward the edges of the
bed of the truck.
[0068] In some embodiments, the attachment system 150 may allow
all, some, or one of the side panel 132-142 to move. For example,
as shown in FIG. 7, the attachment system 150 may include one or
more tracks, rods and shafts, or other connectors that allow for
movement. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment where the side panels
140, 142 are extended away from the bottom panel 132 and toward the
side walls of the bed of the truck.
[0069] It should be noted that instead of using a rod and shaft
system as described above, the attachment system 144 may include a
track system or telescoping system to provide for the movement of
all, some, or one of the panels, for example. However, in other
embodiments, the attachment system 168 does not allow for movement
of any of the panels. Instead, with exception of the folding
movement, the panels of the collapsible storage container 130 are
not movable. For example, the left and right side walls 140, 142
may not move as shown by arrow 152 of FIG. 5.
[0070] FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate an embodiment of a collapsible
storage container 130. The embodiment(s) shown in FIGS. 8A-8C
is/are similar, with respect to folding, to the embodiment(s) shown
in FIGS. 3A-3C, except that the side panels 140, 142 also fold
down. In other words, all of the side walls 132-142, including the
side panels 140, 142 fold down into a collapsed position, as will
be described and illustrated in more detail below.
[0071] FIG. 8A illustrates a rear-view of a collapsible storage
container 130 in the bed 120 of a truck 100. The bed 120 includes a
stow-away compartment 800. The stow-away compartment 800 may be
built into (e.g., integrated) into the bed 120, for example, during
manufacture of the bed 120. The stow-away compartment 800 may allow
the collapsible storage container 130, when in a collapsed
position, to be out of the way of the bed 120, such that the entire
bed 120 may be used to haul, carry, or store cargo.
[0072] In some embodiments, the stow-away compartment 800 includes
a door 810 with a handle 820. The handle 820 may be used to open
the door 810. The handle 820 may be configured to allow a user to
lift the door, for example, when the door 810 is closed using
gravity or a light attaching mechanism, such as magnets or snaps.
However, in other embodiments, the handle 820 is connected to a
latch (e.g., including a lock) that latches the door 810. The
handle 820 may be used to open the latch that is securing the door
810 shut.
[0073] The door 810 may be opened and shut. When the door 810 is
opened, the collapsible storage container 130, which is collapsed
when in the stow-away compartment 800, may be moved into an
uncollapsed position. For example, in some embodiments, the door
810 may be opened and the collapsible storage container 130 removed
from the stow-away compartment 800. The collapsible storage
container 130, in the collapsed position, may attach to a guide,
rail, spring, pivot, or other mechanism that allows the collapsible
storage container 130 to be removed from the stow-away compartment
800. In some embodiments, once the collapsible storage container
130 is removed, the door 810 is closed. However, in other
embodiments, the door 810 does not need to be closed. Instead, the
door 810 needs to allow the collapsible storage container 130 to be
moved into an uncollaspsed position. For example, the door 810 may
be on a hinge that moves the door 810 out of the way or the door
810 may slide out of the way.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 8B, once the collapsible storage container
130 is removed from the stow-away compartment 800, the panels
132-142 may be unfolded as shown in FIG. 8B and 8C. The folding may
be similar, but not necessarily the same, as the folding of FIG.
3B. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the front and top panels 134,
138 may be folded toward the front of the truck 100. The back and
side panels 136, 140, 142 may be folded toward the back of the
truck 100 (e.g., the tailgate), as shown by arrow 840. As shown in
FIG. 8C, the side panels 140, 142, which are connected to the back
panel 136 in this example, may be folded toward the sides of the
bed 120, as shown by arrows 860.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 8D, the back panel 136 and side panels 140,
142 may be folded toward the front of the truck 100, as shown by
arrow 880. In FIG. 8D, the back panel 136 and side panels 140, 142
have already been folded. The arrow 880 shows the folding motion
that already occurred. The front panel 134 and top panel 138 may be
folded backwards, as shown by arrow 890. The various panels may
then be connected together. Once connected together, for example,
using a connection system, the collapsible storage container 130 is
in the uncollapsed position. When the collapsible storage container
130 is moved back into the collapsed position, the user may
unconnect the panels 132-142 and move the collapsible storage
container 130 back into the stow-away compartment 800 of FIG. 8A.
The door 810 may then be shut.
[0076] It should be noted that the method of folding and unfolding
described herein are examples. Depending on how the collapsible
storage container 130 is configured, the folding and unfolding may
occur differently. For example, in FIG. 8C, the side walls 140, 142
may be connected to the bottom panel 132, front panel 134, or the
top panel 138. This may change the way that the collapsible storage
container 130 is collapsed and uncollapsed (e.g., folded and
unfolded).
[0077] In some embodiments, the bottom of the stow-away compartment
800 may be the bottom of the inside or interior of the collapsible
storage container 130. For example, the bottom panel 132 may not be
needed. Instead, the other panels may form a container around the
stow-away compartment 800. This may expand the size of the interior
of the collapsible storage container 130. However, when
uncollapsed, the inside or interior of the collapsible storage
container 130 extends above the floor 126 and into the open-top
cargo area.
[0078] The stow-away compartment 800 may be used for various
embodiments of the collapsible storage container 130. For example,
a collapsible storage container 130 with bellows, as discussed in
more detail below, may be placed in the stow-away compartment. In
another example, a collapsible storage container 130 with one or
more telescoping rods may be stored in the stow-away compartment
800. The telescoping rods may extend out of the stow-away
compartment. In yet another example, a collapsible storage
container 130 that is pivotable or retractable, as discussed in
more detail below, may be stored in the stow-away compartment.
[0079] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate another embodiment of a collapsible
storage container 130 that is foldable. The collapsible storage
container 130 includes bellows 900. The bellows 900 allow the
collapsible storage container 130 to collapse, as shown in FIG. 9A.
In this example, the bellows 900 are connected to the tailgate. As
shown in FIG. 9B, the bellows 900 may be moved toward the front of
the truck, as shown by arrow 910. FIG. 9C illustrates the
collapsible storage container 130 that is uncollapsed. A support
system may be used to maintain the collapsible storage container
130 in the uncollapsed position. FIG. 9C also shows a track, rail,
or guide system that guides the collapsible storage container 130
when moved between the collapsed and uncollapsed positions. When
the user is ready to move the collapsible storage container 140
into a collapsed position, the user may move the collapsible
storage container 140 back toward the tailgate 124, as shown by
arrow 930.
Retractable Storage Container(s)
[0080] FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate a collapsible storage container 130
that is retractable. The collapsible storage container 130 retracts
from the bed 120 of the truck 100. Retracting may include moving
into and out of the bed 120.
[0081] FIG. 10A illustrates the collapsible storage container 130
in a collapsed position. The collapsible storage container 130 has
been retracted out of the bed 120. For example, as shown in FIG.
10A, the collapsible storage container 130 may include or be
attached to a guide system 1010 that allows the collapsible storage
container 130 to move into and out of the bed 120. The guide system
1010 may include a rail, track, or other guidance system that
allows the collapsible storage container 130 to move between the
collapsed and uncollapsed positions.
[0082] The collapsible storage container 130 may be locked in the
collapsed position and/or the uncollapsed position. For example, a
pin may be inserted into a hole of the guide system 1010 to
maintain the collapsible storage container 130 in a fixed position.
The pin may be removed to collapse or uncollapse the collapsible
storage container 130.
[0083] In FIG. 10A, the top panel of the collapsible storage
container 130 may be used as part of the bed 120. For example, when
collapsed, the top panel may be flush with the bottom of the bed
120. In another example, a door may be placed over the top of the
collapsible storage container 130. When in the collapsed position,
the door may be closed. The door may be part of the bed 120 of the
truck 100. The door may be opened to allow the collapsible storage
container 130 to be uncollapsed.
[0084] It is noted that in the collapsed position, the interior of
the collapsible storage container 130 may not be accessed. However,
in some embodiments, the interior of the collapsible storage
container 130 may be accessed in the collapsed position. For
example, a door may be provided in the top panel and allow access
to inside or interior of the collapsible storage container 130.
Because the collapsible storage container 130 maintains the same
shape in both the collapsed and uncollapsed position, the interior
may be accessed, for example. Alternately, or additionally, the
collapsible storage container 130 may be accessed underneath the
floor of the bed of the truck. This may be beneficial, for example,
if the bed 120 is being used to haul or carry cargo (e.g., rocks,
wood, or other supplies).
[0085] FIG. 10B illustrates the collapsible storage container 130
in an uncollapsed position. In the uncollapsed position, all or at
least substantially all of the inside or interior of the
collapsible storage container 130 may be located above the floor of
the bed of the truck. For example, the collapsible storage
container 130 may be moved up, for example, using a handle or
lever, above the floor of the bed of the truck.
Pivotable Storage Container(s)
[0086] FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate a collapsible storage container
that is pivotable. FIG. 11A illustrates the collapsible storage
container 130 in a collapsed position. The collapsible storage
container 130 has been pivoted out of the bed 120. For example, as
shown in FIG. 11A, the collapsible storage container 130 may
include or be attached to a pivot system 1100 that allows the
collapsible storage container 130 to pivot into and out of the bed
120. The pivot system 1100 may include a pin, swivel, or other
system that allows the collapsible storage container 130 to
pivot.
[0087] The collapsible storage container 130 may be locked in the
collapsed position and/or the uncollapsed position. For example, a
pin may be inserted into a hole of the guide system 1010 to
maintain the collapsible storage container 130 in a fixed position.
The pin may be removed to collapse or uncollapse the collapsible
storage container 130.
[0088] In FIG. 11A, the top panel of the collapsible storage
container 130 may be used as part of the bed 120. For example, when
collapsed, the top panel may be flush with the bottom of the bed
120. In another example, a door 1110 may be placed over the top of
the collapsible storage container 130. When in the collapsed
position, the door 1110 may be closed. The door may be part of the
bed 120 of the truck 100. The door may be opened, as shown in FIG.
11A, to allow the collapsible storage container 130 to be
uncollapsed.
[0089] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11 B, the collapsible
storage container 130 may include a guide system 1120, which guides
the collapsible storage container 130 as it is pivoted into and out
of a collapsed and/or uncollapsed position. The guide system 1120
may be a track, for example.
[0090] It is noted that in the collapsed position, the interior of
the collapsible storage container 130 may not be accessed. However,
in some situations the interior of the collapsible storage
container 130 may be accessed in the collapsed position. Because
the collapsible storage container 130 maintains the same shape in
both the collapsed and uncollapsed position, the interior may be
accessed, for example, under the truck 100. This may be beneficial,
for example, if the bed 120 is being used to haul or carry cargo
(e.g., rocks, wood, or other supplies).
[0091] FIG. 11B illustrates the collapsible storage container 130
in an uncollapsed position (e.g., pivoted up from underneath the
bed of the truck). In the uncollapsed position, all or at least
substantially all of the inside or interior of the collapsible
storage container 130 may be located above the floor of the bed of
the truck. For example, the collapsible storage container 130 may
be moved up, for example, using a handle or lever, above the floor
of the bed of the truck.
Bed-Liner Storage Container(s)
[0092] A collapsible storage container may be connected to a bed
liner. A truck bed liner is a covering that may protect a truck bed
from damage and can prevent fine-grained cargo from moving around
in the bed of the truck. A bed liner may be a drop-in bed liner. A
bed liner is installed in the bed of the truck, for example, by
snapping, screwing, or otherwise connecting the bed liner to the
bed of the truck. A bed liner may be made of, for example, plastic,
rubber, or other material. A bed liner may be made in a single
piece (e.g., that is fitted to the bottom and sides of the bed of
the truck) or separate pieces (e.g., that are installed
individually on the bottom and sides of the bed of the truck). In
some embodiments, a bed liner may be removable.
[0093] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 12A-12B, a
collapsible storage container 130 is embedded in a bed liner 1210.
Embedded may include manufactured with (e.g., as a single piece),
integrated with, built into, or otherwise formed with the bed liner
1210. For example, during manufacture of a bed liner, one, some, or
all of the panels of a collapsible storage container may be
manufactured into the bed liner to allow for the use of a
collapsible storage container when the bed liner is installed in
the bed of a truck. The collapsible storage container, when
manufactured as a single piece with the bed liner may not be
removed from the bed liner. For example, during manufacture, a
single injection molding process may be used to form both the bed
liner and the collapsible storage container.
[0094] FIG. 12A illustrates a collapsible storage container 130
embedded in a bed liner 1210 that has not been installed in the bed
of the truck. The arrow 1220 illustrates that the bed liner 1210
may be installed in the bed 120 of the truck. Once the bed liner
1210 is installed in the bed 120, the collapsible storage container
130 may be collapsed and uncollapsed. The collapsible storage
container 130, when in a collapsed position, may be used as the bed
liner 1210. FIG. 12B illustrates the bed liner 1210 installed in
the bed 120 of the truck. The collapsible storage container 130 is
collapsed. Accordingly, the interior walls of the collapsible
storage container 130 may be used as part of the bed liner
1210.
[0095] FIG. 12B illustrates a top view of a collapsible storage
container 130 that is embedded in a bed liner 1210. In this
example, the bottom panel 132 is formed with the bed line 1210
during the manufacturing process. For example, as shown in FIG.
12C, the bed liner 1210 may be formed with indentations 1230
surrounding (e.g., adjacent to) the bottom panel 132, which is
formed as part of the bed liner 1210. FIG. 12D illustrates a side
view of cross section 1240 (from FIG. 12C) of the bed liner 1210.
As shown in FIG. 12D, the bottom panel 132 is formed as part of the
bed liner 1210. One or more of the other panels (e.g., 134-142) may
be formed with the bottom panel 132. Otherwise, they may be
connected after manufacture, for example, using hinges.
[0096] FIG. 12E illustrates another example of a bedliner 1210. The
bedliner 1210 may be manufactured to receive a collapsible storage
container 130. For example, when manufactured, the bedliner 1210
may be formed to include reception slots 1250. The reception slots
1250 may be sized and configured to receive one or more connection
devices 1260 on the collapsible storage container 130. For example,
prior to or after the bedliner 1210 is connected to the bed 120 of
the truck, one or more connection devices 1260 may be inserted into
the reception slots 1250. When inserted, the one or more connection
devices 1260 may lock into the reception slots. This may lock the
collapsible storage container 130 into place and prevent the
collapsible storage container 130 from moving around.
[0097] In an embodiment, the bedliner 1210 may be manufactured with
the indentations of FIGS. 12C and 12D; however, the bedliner 1210
with the reception slots does not need to include the indentations.
Depending on where the connection devices 1260 are located on the
collapsible storage container 130, the reception slots may be
located in other places of the bedliner 1210. For example, the
reception slots may be located on the side walls of the bedliner
1210.
[0098] FIG. 12E illustrates an example of a bedliner 1210 that is
configured to receive or connect to a collapsible storage
container. Other mechanisms may be built into the bedliner to
connect the bedliner to the collapsible storage container. For
example, the sides of the bedliner may include indentations as the
reception slots. The collapsible storage container 130 may include
one or more spring loaded rod on the side of the collapsible
storage container 130. The spring loaded rod may extend when placed
inside the indentation of the bed liner.
Electronic System for One or More Collapsible Storage
Containers
[0099] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a system 1300 for
electronically collapsing or uncollapsing a collapsible storage
container in a bed 120 of a truck 100. The system 1300 includes an
input device 1310, a computing device 1320, a movement device 1330,
a communication network 1340, and a collapsible storage container
130. Additional, different, or fewer components may be
provided.
[0100] The communication network 1340 may communicatively couple
the input device 1310 and movement device 1320 with the computing
device 1320. The computing device 1320 may provide overall control
for the collapsible storage container 130. The computing device
1320 and input device 1310 may be indirectly coupled with the
computing device 1320 via the movement device 1330.
[0101] The input device 1310 may be a switch, button, or other now
known or later developed control device that is used to control the
movement device 1330 and as a result the collapsible storage
container 130. The input device 1310 may be located in the cab 110
or the bed 120 of a truck 100. For example, in some embodiments,
the input device 1310 and computing device 1320 are located in the
cab 110 of a truck 100, while the collapsible storage container 130
is located in the bed 120. In another example, the input device
1310 is located in the bed 120, for example, on, near, or adjacent
to the collapsible storage container 130 or on a wall of the bed
120.
[0102] The movement device 1330 may be a motor that provides
movement to the collapsible storage container 130. The movement may
collapse or uncollapse the collapsible storage container 130. For
example, the movement device 1330 may fold, retract, pivot or
otherwise collapse the collapsible storage container 130. However,
the movement device 1330 may unfold, unretract, unpivot the
collapsible storage container 130, such that the collapsible
storage container 130 may be used as a storage container. The
movement device 1330, as well as other components of the system
1300, may receive power from a power source of the truck 100. The
movement device 1320 may be controlled by the computing device
1320.
[0103] The computing device 1320 may be an electronic device that
is operable to store, retrieve, process, or a combination thereof
data.
[0104] The computing device 1320 may be provide overall control of
the collapsible storage container 130. For example, the computing
device 1320 may control the movement device 1330 based on input
from the input device 1310. For example, the input device 1310 may
send a signal to collapse the collapsible storage container 130.
The computing device 1320 may control the movement of the movement
device 1330 to collapse the collapsible storage container 130. In
another example, the input device 1310 may send a signal to
uncollapse the collapsible storage container 130. The computing
device 1320 may control the movement of the movement device 1330 to
uncollapse the collapsible storage container 130.
[0105] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a computing device that
provides overall control of a collapsible storage container. The
computing device is operable to move a collapsible storage
container from a collapsed position into an uncollapsed position
and vice-versa, according to an embodiment.
[0106] In the example of FIG. 14, the computing device 1400
includes a processor 1410 and a memory 1420. The computing device
1400 may include additional, different or fewer components. For
example, the computing device 1400 may include a display device
(e.g., touch screen, dashboard display device) that displays
information. The display device may display information relating to
collapsing and uncollapsing the collapsible storage container
(e.g., percentage of completion, status, etc.). In another example,
the computing device 1400 may include an input device (e.g., mouse,
keyboard, touchscreen, etc.)
[0107] The processor 1410 may be a general processor, digital
signal processor, application specific integrated circuit, field
programmable gate array, analog circuit, digital circuit,
programmed processor, combinations thereof, or other now known or
later developed processing device. Although shown as a single
device, the processor 1410 may be a combination of processors. The
processor 1410 is responsive to computer readable instructions
stored in the memory 1420. For example, the processor 1410 may
execute one or more computer readable instructions. Computer
readable instructions may include logic encoded in one or more
tangible media.
[0108] The memory 1420 is computer-readable storage media.
Computer-readable storage media includes various types of volatile
and non-volatile storage media. Examples of computer-readable
storage media include but are not limited to a random access
memory, a read-only memory, and a hard disk drive. The memory 1420
may be configured to store data that may be accessed by the
processor.
[0109] As shown in the example of a FIG. 14, the memory 1420 may
include computer readable instructions (e.g., may be referred to as
"instructions"). For example, the memory 1420 may include
instructions to receive an input 1422, instructions to control a
collapsible storage container based on the input 1424, and
instructions to display information about the collapsible storage
container 1426. The memory 1420 may include additional, different,
or fewer instructions.
[0110] The instructions 1422 may be executed to receive an input
1430 from an input device, a movement device, a collapsible storage
container, or other device associated with collapsing and
uncollapsing a collapsible storage container. For example, the
instructions 1422 may be used to receive an input signal from an
input device. The input signal may include a command to collapse or
uncollapse all or a portion of the collapsible storage
container.
[0111] The instructions 1424 may be executed to control a
collapsible storage container based on the received input.
Controlling the collapsible storage container may include sending a
output 1440 to a movement device that collapses and uncollapses the
collapsible storage container. The output 1440 may include a
control signal. For example, the instructions 1424 may cause a
motor to move and as a result move the collapsible storage
container.
[0112] The instructions 1426 may be executed to display information
about a collapsible storage container 1426. The output 1440 may be
used when displaying information. For example, the output 1440 may
be provided to a display device and indicate a percentage of
completion (e.g., 50% collapsed, 25% remaining, or 10% uncollapsed)
may be displayed on the display device. This information may be
displayed. In another example, a status of the collapsible storage
container may be displayed. For example, the display may indicate
that the collapsible storage container is collapsed or uncollapsed.
More specific information may also be provided. For example, the
display may indicate that one or more of the panels are open and/or
the collapsible storage container is locked/unlocked.
[0113] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an example electronic system
1500 that can be used to implement the apparatus and methods
described herein. As shown in FIG. 15, the processor system 1500
includes a processor 1502 that is coupled to an interconnection bus
1504. The processor 1502 may be any suitable processor, processing
unit, or microprocessor. Although not shown in FIG. 15, the system
1500 can be a multi-processor system and, thus, can include one or
more additional processors that are identical or similar to the
processor 1502 and that are communicatively coupled to the
interconnection bus 1504.
[0114] The processor 1502 of FIG. 15 is coupled to a chipset 1506,
which includes a memory controller 1508 and an input/output (I/O)
device 1510. A chipset typically provides I/O and memory management
functions as well as a plurality of general purpose and/or special
purpose registers, timers, etc. that are accessible or used by one
or more processors coupled to the chipset 1506. The memory
controller 1508 performs functions that enable the processor 1502
(or processors if there are multiple processors) to access a system
memory 1512 and a mass storage memory 1514.
[0115] The system memory 1512 can include any desired type of
volatile and/or non-volatile memory such as, for example, static
random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM),
flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), etc. The mass storage memory
1514 can include any desired type of mass storage device including
hard disk drives, optical drives, tape storage devices, etc.
[0116] The I/O device 1510 performs functions that enable the
processor 1502 to communicate with peripheral input/output (I/O)
devices 1516 and 1518 and a network interface 1520 via an I/O bus
1522. The I/O devices 1516 and 1518 can be any desired type of I/O
device such as, for example, a keyboard, a video display or
monitor, a mouse, etc. The network interface 1520 may be, for
example, an Ethernet device, an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)
device, a 1502.11 device, a DSL modem, a cable modem, a cellular
modem, etc. that enables the processor system 1500 to communicate
with another processor system.
[0117] While the memory controller 1508 and the I/O device 1510 are
depicted in FIG. 15 as separate blocks within the chipset 1506, the
functions performed by these blocks may be integrated within a
single semiconductor circuit or may be implemented using two or
more separate integrated circuits.
[0118] The processor 1502 may be operable to control a movement
device 1524 and as a result a collapsible storage container 1526.
For example, the processor 1502 may cause the collapsible storage
container 1526 to move between a collapsed position and an
uncollapsed position and vice-versa. This may include being moved
completely into the collapsed or uncollapsed position or an
intermediary position (e.g., partially collapsed).
Accessing the Interior of a Collapsible Storage Container
[0119] FIGS. 16A-16D illustrate various ways of accessing the
inside or interior of a collapsible storage container 130. As shown
in FIG. 16A, a connection system may allow the back panel 136 to
open and close (shown by arrow 1610) even though the other panels
132-134 and 138-142 remain in a fixed (e.g., uncollapsed) position.
As shown in FIG. 16B, the back panel 136 may include a door 1620
with a handle 1630. As shown in FIG. 16C, the door 1620 may open
and close (shown by arrow 1650). FIG. 16C illustrates a
cross-section of the collapsible storage container 130 along the
cross-section 1640 of FIG. 16B. The handle 1630 may allow the door
1620 to latch shut. The door may be locked to prevent access to the
interior. The lock may be unlocked, for example, using a key. In
another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16D, the top panel 138 may
slide (shown by arrow 1660). Sliding the top panel 138, for
example, either to the left or right, may provide access to the
inside or interior of the collapsible storage container 130. In
some embodiments, the top panel 138 may slide in either direction.
However, in some embodiments, the top panel 138 may only slide in
one direction (e.g., either to the left or right).
[0120] In an embodiment, instead of or as alternative to one or
more of the sides opening to provide access to the inside of the
collapsible storage container 130, one or more of the sides may
include a door or opening that provide access to the inside. For
example, a door, which is smaller than a side of the collapsible
storage container may be opened and closed to provide and prevent
access to the inside of the collapsible storage container 130.
Conclusion
[0121] While the inventions have been described with reference to
certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the invention without
departing from the spirit or scope of the present inventions.
Therefore, it is intended that the inventions not be limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed herein.
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