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US 12,703,437 B2Granted
Multi-function cargo maximizing apparatus
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorAdrian Nania
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A vehicle cargo bed extender system is comprised of a plurality of panels that are coupled together such that the panels are configurable between a plurality of use positions including at least a stowed position and an extended position. When in the stowed position, the plurality of panels are stored within a cargo bed floor. When in the extended position, the plurality of panels provide an extended work surface that extends outwardly beyond the cargo bed floor.
Claims26
A vehicle cargo bed extender system comprising:
- a plurality of panels coupled together such that the panels are configurable between a plurality of use positions including at least a stowed position and an extended position, wherein when in the stowed position the plurality of panels comprise a stacked set of panels that are stored within a cargo bed floor, and when in the extended position the plurality of panels provide an extended work surface that extends outwardly beyond the cargo bed floor;
- and a primary hinge directly coupling one panel of the plurality of panels to the cargo bed floor such that all panels of the plurality of panels are pivotable relative to the cargo bed floor as a single unit when moving to the stowed position.
A vehicle cargo bed system comprising:
- a floor;
- first and second side walls extending up from opposing sides of the floor;
- a tailgate mounted for pivoting movement relative to the floor, wherein the tailgate is moveable between an upright position where the tailgate cooperates with the first and second side walls to enclose an end of a cargo bed area and an open position to allow access to the cargo bed area;
- an extender structure mounted for pivoting movement relative to the floor to increase a size of the cargo bed area when the tailgate is in the open position, wherein the extender structure comprises a plurality of panels coupled together such that the panels are configurable between a plurality of use positions including at least a stowed position and an extended position, wherein when in the stowed position the plurality of panels are stored within the floor, and when in the extended position the plurality of panels provide an extended work surface that extends outwardly beyond the floor and a further extended work surface that extends outwardly beyond the tailgate when in the open position;
- and a primary hinge directly coupling one panel of the plurality of panels to the floor such that all panels of the plurality of panels are pivotable relative to the floor as a single unit when moving to the stowed position.
2 more elements
A method comprising:
- coupling a plurality of panels together such that the panels are configurable between a plurality of use positions including at least a stowed position and an extended position;
- directly coupling one panel of the plurality of panels to a cargo bed floor with a primary hinge such that all panels of the plurality of panels are pivotable relative to the cargo bed floor as a single unit when moving to the stowed position;
- storing the plurality of panels within the cargo bed floor when in the stowed position;
- pivoting at least a first panel of the plurality of panels to provide an extended work surface that extends outwardly beyond the cargo bed floor when in the extended position;
- and pivoting at least a second panel of the plurality of panels to provide a further extended surface that extends beyond an open tailgate surface.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.