TAILGATE TOOLBOX

Abstract

A tailgate toolbox is disclosed wherein a toolbox is adapted to slide and be encased within the tailgate hutch of a vehicle, such as a pick-up truck. The tailgate hutch generally being made with material that is strong and durable to protect the cargo space, the toolbox stored therein stays protected and may be built with lighter material further making it portable. Additionally, a cavity in the tailgate hutch provides space that is otherwise wasted and thus storing a toolbox therein takes up no additional space. Furthermore, securely encased within the tailgate hutch, the toolbox stays secure and prevents its theft. The toolbox disclosed includes pre-designed compartments for storing standard tools to prevent rattling as the cargo vehicle sometimes moves through rough terrain. The toolbox also includes a handle to enable it to be easily pulled out of or stowed back into the cavity of the tailgate hutch.

Claims

1. A tailgate apparatus of an automotive vehicle comprising a tailgate with an interior space housing a cavity wherein the cavity is accessible through an opening that spans a width of the tailgate substantially, and where the cavity is configured to receive a toolbox assembly insertable from the opening; the toolbox assembly configured to be immersed and be contained within the cavity substantially; wherein the toolbox assembly includes a plurality of supports, where the supports are configured to form a workspace table upon deployment from the cavity; and the toolbox assembly configured to include a compartmentalized toolbox.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the opening has a detachable cover with a locking mechanism configured to lock and secure the said cover over the opening

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extendable legs are configured to adjust a multiple of elevation levels of the toolbox assembly above ground.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the compartmentalized toolbox includes a plurality of toolbox compartments that are contiguously arranged to one another side by side, where each said compartment is configured to be pulled out or inserted through the opening of the tailgate.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 where the toolbox assembly further includes a locking mechanism adapted to fixedly secure a lid in a closed position.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the supports comprise of a plurality of extendable legs attached to a folding apparatus.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the supports comprise of telescopically extendable legs that are foldably attached to the toolbox assembly.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the toolbox assembly includes a plurality of tools and a plurality of charging ports further configured to supply power to the plurality of tools.

9. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein each toolbox compartments includes a plurality of attachments configured to facilitate portability.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the plurality of attachments for facilitating portability comprise of a plurality of wheels or a plurality of extendable handles or both.

11. An automotive tailgate system that includes a toolbox assembly adapted to insert into a vehicle tailgate comprising: the vehicle tailgate having an interior with a cavity configured to receive and accommodate the toolbox assembly where the vehicle tailgate includes an opening substantially spanning a width of the vehicle tailgate; the toolbox assembly configured to be enclosable and immersed within the vehicle tailgate, wherein the toolbox assembly includes a plurality of extendable supports, where the supports are configured to hold the toolbox assembly in an elevated position above ground; the cavity accessible through the opening that is configured to enable the toolbox assembly to slide into or slide out of the cavity and across a substantial width of the vehicle tailgate; the toolbox assembly configured to be a compartmentalized toolbox.

12. The system of claim 11 where the toolbox assembly further comprises extendable where the supports configured to adjust an elevation level of the tailgate assembly.

13. The system of claim 11 where the vehicle tailgate further includes a rear surface having an upper edge and a lower edge, a front surface having an upper edge and a lower edge, where the front surface and the rear surface are disposed substantially parallel to each other and configured to create a tailgate cavity therein; the upper edge of the front surface and the upper edge of the rear surface are configured to provide the opening for insertion or removal of the toolbox assembly into and out of the cavity.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein a bottom of the vehicle tailgate includes a plurality of snapping means that are configured to engage with a plurality of complementary snapping means located on a bottom face of the toolbox assembly.

15. The system of claim 13 wherein the vehicle tailgate has a left side surface and a right side surface that include a plurality of guides, and where further a left side face and a right side face of the toolbox assembly includes a plurality of guides, wherein the plurality of guides of vehicle tailgate and the guides of toolbox assembly are complementary to each other; and the tailgate guides and the toolbox assembly guides are configured to guide insertion or removal of the toolbox assembly in to or out of the cavity.

16. The system of claim 0 wherein the toolbox assembly is configured to split into a plurality of toolbox assemblies each configured to be enclosable and immersed within the vehicle tailgate.

17. The system of claim 11 wherein the extendable supports comprise of foldable and extendable telescopic legs foldably attached to the toolbox assembly.

18. The system of claim 11 wherein the compartmentalized toolbox contains a plurality of charging plugs configured to supply electric power.

19. The system of claim 11 wherein the toolbox assembly further includes a plurality of wheels and handle hardware, wherein handle hardware is configured to telescopically distend and communicate any force applied to the handle hardware onto the toolbox assembly thereby causing the wheels to roll and cause the toolbox assembly attached thereto to move.

20. A method of using a tailgate toolbox assembly configured to attach within a tailgate structure of an automotive vehicle comprising presenting the tailgate structure that houses an interior space that is configured to receive the toolbox assembly substantially within the tailgate structure, the interior space being accessible through an opening from a side of the tailgate structure, where the opening spans substantially a width of the tailgate structure such that the opening houses the toolbox assembly; having the toolbox assembly configured to accommodate a compartmentalized toolbox; having the toolbox assembly contained and removable from the interior space through the opening; and inserting or removing the toolbox assembly into or from the tailgate structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] The invention will be described in conjunction with the attached drawings in which referenced numerals designate elements, and wherein,

[0031] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention where the tailgate toolbox is as wide as the width of a cargo vehicle's tailgate and has been inserted into the tailgate cavity;

[0032] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the invention where the tailgate toolbox has been pulled out of the tailgate cavity and its legs have been distended to create a table for workspace;

[0033] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the tailgate toolbox where the width of the toolbox is approximately a third of the width of a cargo vehicle's tailgate;

[0034] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the tailgate toolbox with its lid in an open configuration and the toolbox interior containing electrical outlets for charging mobile phones and tools requiring electrical charging apparatus;

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the tailgate toolbox showing a plurality of tools included in therein;

[0036] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention showing the tailgate toolbox approximately one third of the width of the tailgate;

[0037] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the invention showing the tailgate toolbox with the tailgate cover engaged and locked;

[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates the ability of the tailgate toolbox to be pulled out and rolled away for ease of transportation;

[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates the use of a guide and magnetic fasteners for securing the Toolbox into the Tailgate. FIG. 9-A illustrates the toolbox guided down to the complementary parts on the tailgate bottom; and FIG. 9-B illustrates the configuration when toolbox has been secured to the tailgate's bottom;

[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates the use of a guide and snap fasteners for securing the Toolbox into the Tailgate. FIG. 10-A illustrates the toolbox having the receptacle snap sockets complementary to the snap fasteners fixedly mounted on the tailgate bottom; and FIG. 10-B illustrates the configuration when toolbox has been secured to the tailgate's bottom with the snap fastener and snap sockets engaged.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The arrangement in FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention where the tailgate toolbox is as wide as the width of a cargo vehicle's tailgate and has been inserted into the tailgate cavity. Illustrated in FIG. 1 is typical Cargo Vehicle 10 such as a Pickup Truck which has a Tailgate Hutch 11 or a hinged flap at the back of a truck that can be lowered and made to come in level with the cargo area to facilitate loading and unloading of the cargo, or may in some instances be completely removed for facilitating in the loading or unloading of cargo into the vehicle.

[0042] The Tailgate Hutch 11 has a Tailgate Shell 12 which is typically a metal shell that forms the tailgate of the vehicle creating a cavity therein. This cavity exists in a natural course of manufacturing a cargo vehicle such as a pick truck. As disclosed by this application, the cavity is further adapted to accommodate a toolbox therein. Such a configuration, or combination is shown in FIG. 1, where Tailgate Shell 12 includes a Tailgate Toolbox 100 therein. As further shown in FIG. 1, the Tailgate Toolbox 100 includes a Handle 20 which is adapted to insert and pullout the toolbox from the tailgate cavity. Also included is a Toolbox Lock 21 which is a lock that secures and protects the contents of the toolbox which could contain expensive tools of professional grade. Also shown is the use of a Tailgate Cover 27 which is a protective covering for securing the Tailgate Toolbox 100 within the Tailgate Hutch 11. The Tailgate Cover 27 also includes a locking mechanism for securing the cover to the Tailgate Hutch 11. Furthermore, the Tailgate Cover 27 is designed to match the cargo vehicle trim to maintain uniformity with the covers used on the sidewalls of the cargo vehicle.

[0043] The embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 1 shows the Tailgate Hutch 11 cavity as occupied by the Tailgate Toolbox 100. The Tailgate Shell 12 of the Cargo Vehicle 10 is typically built with solid and strong sheet metal to provide it with overall high level of strength and durability that enables the Cargo Vehicle 10 to perform its various functions. Typically, the sheets are formed and molded as a rectangular prism such that a cavity is created to provide an exterior thickness of the tailgate. The Tailgate Toolbox 100 is adapted to be inserted into this cavity. Embodiments of the invention have the Tailgate Toolbox 100 being built with lightweight material such as aluminium, tin, reinforced plastics, fiberglass, or combinations thereof.

[0044] Once inserted, Tailgate Toolbox 100 is locked into place by the locking mechanism of Tailgate Cover 27. This, in addition to the Toolbox Lock 21 (which is integrated into the Tailgate Toolbox 100) protects the Tailgate Toolbox 100 against theft and keeps it snapped in place. A skilled artisan will appreciate that such a firm snapping provided by the Tailgate Cover 27 enables the charging ports to stay activated which are integrated into Tailgate Toolbox 100 as discussed below. After the Tailgate Toolbox 100 is snapped in place, the strong electrical coupling to a battery is achieved in an embodiment of the system used for charging any power tools stored therein.

[0045] The illustration in FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the invention where the tailgate toolbox has been pulled out of the tailgate cavity and its legs have been distended to create a table for workspace. Illustrated in FIG. 2 is an embodiment of the invention where the top surface of the Tailgate Toolbox 100 is being used as a workspace. This enables the tools to be effectively used on a work surface in certain applications and situations where this is required. As illustrated, the Worktable 22 is a work-space table created by the top cover of the Tailgate Toolbox 100. The Worktable 22 includes Latch Lift 23 which is a latch for securing the table as well as adapted to serve as a handle for lifting and closing the top lid of the Tailgate Toolbox 100. The Worktable 22 is further supported by plurality of Telescopic Legs 24 which are adapted to extend out and provide support so that the top cover of the Tailgate Toolbox 100 may be used as a work-space table and to stay leveled with the cargo bed.

[0046] The Telescopic Legs 24 are further attached to Folding Apparatus 25 which is adapted to enable the folding of the toolbox legs to be lined up and plush with the bottom surface of toolbox to allow it to be inserted into the tailgate cavity. In this manner, the Worktable 22 and the flattened Tailgate Hutch 11 together provide a larger work area. Furthermore, by making the height of the Worktable 22 adjustable, the Telescopic Legs 24 can rest on another solid surface such as a step which may not necessarily be in line with the ground on which the vehicle's wheels are resting. Additionally, the height adjustments of Telescopic Legs 24 enable the use of different sized wheels to be installed as is sometimes the case when pickup trucks work on uneven terrains.

[0047] The illustration in FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the tailgate toolbox where the width of the toolbox is approximately a third of the width of a cargo vehicle's tailgate. In the embodiment of the invention shown, the Tailgate Toolbox 100 comprises of three sections. The embodiment illustrated allows for the ability of the toolbox to be sectioned so that different tools can be stored in a compartmentalized fashion into different toolboxes. Furthermore, with such a compartmentalization, a section of the Tailgate Toolbox 100 can be held open while the remaining sections remain closed and serve as a Worktable 22. The open sections of the Tailgate Toolbox 100 make the frequently used tools easily accessible for the specific job at hand. Each of the plurality of sections of the Tailgate Toolbox 100 also includes a Latch Lift 23 in an embodiment of the system.

[0048] The illustration in FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the tailgate toolbox with its lid in an open configuration and the toolbox interior containing electrical outlets for charging mobile phones and tools requiring electrical charging apparatus. The embodiment of the invention shown includes the Electrical Charging Outlets 26 which is a plurality of electrical outlets for charging any power tools or other accessories stored in the toolbox. Also illustrated in the embodiment shown in General Storage Area 28 which is for storing non standardized items stored in the toolbox.

[0049] In an embodiment of the system the Electrical Charging Outlets 26 are powered by electrically coupling them to the vehicle's battery. In an embodiment of the system, the Electrical Charging Outlets 26 module includes a rechargeable battery which gets charged when the Tailgate Toolbox 100 is inside the Tailgate Hutch 11. Therefore, when the Tailgate Toolbox 100 is removed from the Tailgate Hutch 11 and transported for use away from the vehicle, the rechargeable battery in the Electrical Charging Outlets 26 of the Tailgate Toolbox 100 provide a temporary source of electrical power.

[0050] The illustration in FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the tailgate toolbox showing a plurality of tools included in therein. FIG. 5 depicts Standardized Tools Holder 30 which is includes standardized sections that are adapted to securely store tools of predetermined shape and size. A plurality of tools is shown in the embodiment of the invention.

[0051] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that in addition to designing Tailgate Toolbox 100 with Standardized Tools Holder 30, materials such as foam may also be utilized to further prevent rattling of tools as the cargo vehicles move often over uneven terrain such as a construction site. It will be further appreciated by a skilled artisan that the use of cushioning materials will particularly be useful in storing tools and other parts in the non-standard size and shape containers, i.e. General Storage Area 28, which are also integrated with in the Tailgate Toolbox 100, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0052] The illustration in FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention showing the tailgate toolbox approximately one third of the width of the tailgate. In an embodiment of the invention shown the Tailgate Toolbox 100 is sectioned into three separate toolboxes in order to facilitate transportation of the toolbox. Each of the sectioned toolbox includes a separate Handle 20 and can be pulled in or out and be transported easily.

[0053] The embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6 shows the Tailgate Toolbox 100 as being approximately one third as wide as the width of the tailgate of Cargo Vehicle 10. Each of the smaller toolboxes in the embodiment shown has a Handle 20. The individual smaller toolboxes are amenable to transportation. Additionally, the individual sections provide the ability for easier access to tools while the Tailgate Toolbox 100 has been pulled out and being used as a Worktable 22. The item can be held on the workspace and sections of the Tailgate Toolbox 100 may be opened to access any tools required.

[0054] The illustration in FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the invention showing the tailgate toolbox with the tailgate cover engaged and locked. In an embodiment of the invention shown the Tailgate Toolbox 100 is secured and covered within the tailgate cavity with a Tailgate Cover 27 which is a cover for protection of tailgate toolbox stored in the tailgate cavity. The figure further shows that the Tailgate Cover Lock 29 which is a lock for the Tailgate Cover 27 for securing the tailgate toolbox stored within the tailgate cavity. The Tailgate Cover 27 also serves the function of making the tailgate plush with the plastic lining that is generally used to cap the top of cargo walls.

[0055] The illustration in FIG. 8 illustrates the ability of the tailgate toolbox to be pulled out and rolled away for ease of transportation. In this illustration, the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, is shown as being transported or moved about. The Handle 20 includes a Telescopic Toolbox Pull Handle 32 which is designed for pulling out and rolling the toolbox making it easy to transport. Additionally, the Tailgate Toolbox 100 is equipped with a Toolbox Rolling Wheels 34 which are the rolling apparatus that enable the toolbox to be rolled and thus facilities its transportation.

[0056] FIG. 9 illustrates the use of a guide and magnetic fasteners for securing the Toolbox into the Tailgate. FIG. 9-A illustrates the toolbox guided down to the complementary parts on the tailgate bottom; and FIG. 9-B illustrates the configuration when toolbox has been secured to the tailgate's bottom. In the embodiments of the invention the snapping means utilized are magnetic where a plurality of magnets are placed along the bottom of the tailgate cavity which are engaged by a complementary set of magnetic snapping means placed along the bottom face of the toolbox. Illustrated in this embodiment are a plurality of complementary Magnetic Fastener 42 attached both to the bottom face of the toolbox and the bottom surface of the tailgate. The toolbox is inserted into the cavity with the help of a Slide Guide 36 which enables the toolbox to be guided into the tailgate cavity.

[0057] FIG. 10 illustrates the use of a guide and snap fasteners for securing the Toolbox into the Tailgate. FIG. 10-A illustrates the toolbox having the receptacle snap sockets complementary to the snap fasteners fixedly mounted on the tailgate bottom; and FIG. 10-B illustrates the configuration when toolbox has been secured to the tailgate's bottom with the snap fastener and snap sockets engaged. The snapping means disclosed in the embodiment illustrated comprise of having sockets placed along the bottom face the toolbox (the female part of the snap), and having the fastener placed along the bottom surface of the tailgate. Illustrated are the Snap Fastener 38 which is the male portion of the snap attached to the bottom surface of the tailgate and Snap Socket 40 which is the complementary female portion included on the bottom face of the toolbox. The toolbox is guided into place by Slide Guide 36.

[0058] A variety of other snapping means are possible including ball and socket type fastener, a Velcro or similar fastener, or providing a plurality of rails along the bottom surface of the tailgate that engages a complementary socket along the bottom face of the toolbox.

[0059] It will be appreciated by a skilled artisan that this process disclosed in this application is adaptable to vehicles having tailgate hutches of various shapes and sizes regardless of whether they are attached to the rear of a cargo vehicle or anywhere else. The disclosure entails making a system that is combination of the tailgate hutch that creates a cavity that is complementary to the shape of the toolbox. The process therefore lends itself to use in many situations to be encountered henceforth. The process offers the advantage of safely securing a toolbox and alleviates the need to create extra space to store it.

[0060] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, because certain changes may be made in carrying out the above method and in the construction(s) set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0061] While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of, and not restrictive on, the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications, and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.