Extendable Cargo Space for a Container or Flatbed

Abstract

Temporary additional cargo space is desirable when it is needed to deliver items on a temporary basis. The additional cargo space may be contained in a container or a flatbed. A means to move a second container or second planar surface on a flatbed is provided. The means to move the second container or second planar surface on a flatbed allows the user to have additional cargo space without the need to purchase a larger sized container or a larger sized flatbed.

Claims

1. An extendable cargo space for a container, which is comprised of: a first container, said first container has a defined top, a defined bottom and defined side walls, said first container has an opening to fill the container, a second container, wherein the second container fits within the space of the first container, wherein the second container has a defined top, a defined bottom and defined side walls, wherein a pair of rails are placed within the first container, wherein the second container is attached to the pair of rails, wherein a means to move the second container is affixed to the second container, wherein the second container is moveable, said rails guide the travel of the second container, wherein the second container can be locked in place, wherein a means to move the second container is provided, an expandable drive train, a ramp.

2. The extendable cargo space for a container as described in claim 1 wherein the means to move the second container is a hydraulic system.

3. The extendable cargo space for a container as described in claim 1 wherein the means to move the second container is an electrical system.

4. The extendable cargo space for a container as described in claim 1 wherein the means to move the second container is a pneumatic system.

5. The extendable cargo space for a container as described in claim 1 wherein the means to move the second container is a gear and pulley system.

6. An extendable cargo space for a flatbed, which is comprised of: a flatbed, wherein the flatbed has a first planar bottom surface, and defined sidewalls, a second planar member, wherein the second planar member is positioned on top of the planar bottom surface of the flatbed, a pair of rails, wherein the pair of rails is secured to the first planar bottom surface, wherein the second planar member is secured to the rails, wherein the second planar member is moveable, wherein the pair of rails guide the travel of the second planar member, wherein the second planar member can be locked in place, a means to move the second planar member, wherein the means to move is affixed to the second planar member, an expandable drive train, a ramp.

7. The extendable cargo space for a flatbed as described in claim 1 wherein the means to move the second planar member is a hydraulic system.

8. The extendable cargo space for a flatbed as described in claim 1 wherein the means to move the second planar member is an electrical system.

9. The extendable cargo space for a flatbed as described in claim 1 wherein the means to move the second planar member is a pneumatic system.

10. The extendable cargo space for a flatbed as described in claim 1 wherein the means to move the second planar member is a gear and pulley system

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a side view of a box truck depicting the interior storage space in dashed lines for the extendable separate second container.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of a box truck with the extendable separate second container with the telescoping drive train.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the covered box truck depicting the extendable second container.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a box truck with the extendable second container in the collapsed position.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a box truck with the covered second container extended away from the body of the box truck.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a side view of a flat bed with the extendable second planar member in the collapsed position.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a side view of the flat bed with the extendable second planar member and extendable drive train in the extended position.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the flat bed with the extendable second planar member in the collapsed position within the area of the flat bed.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a flat bed with the extendable second planar member positioned in the body of the flatbed area.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the flatbed with the extendable second planar member in the extended capacity.

NUMBERING REFERENCE

[0022] 1Truck [0023] 5Flatbed truck area [0024] 10Extendable second planar member on the flat bed [0025] 15First Container attached to the truck. [0026] 20Second Container structure [0027] 25Expandable drive train

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Trucks 1 such as the one depicted in FIG. 1 are used commonly to store and transport goods. The truck can be any shape or size including a full-length trailer or a trailer or a flatbed truck. The truck in FIG. 1 is simply a representation of a type of truck that is used to transport material. The material that is transported may be construction material, lawn maintenance equipment or items such as appliances that are transported in boxes as examples of the kinds of equipment or goods that may be transported.

[0029] In certain circumstances, it may be advisable to provide an additional platform surface for temporary use which may be necessary to haul additional equipment. The extendable cargo space is not intended to be used for other than temporary time periods. The platform or structure should be constructed of durable material that can withstand all extremes in temperatures and environmental conditions.

[0030] In this application there are two embodiments. The first of the embodiments is the use of a first container 15 that stores an additional second container space 20 with the first container such as depicted in FIGS. 1-5. This container space can be expanded such as depicted in FIG. 2 to provide the additional cargo space that may be required. The second embodiment uses a flatbed that has a defined bottom surface and defined side walls. In this embodiment a second planar member will be placed on top of he defined bottom surface to provide the additional cargo space. The second embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 6-10. The truck is not being claimed.

[0031] The first container 15 has defined sidewalls, as well as a defined top, a defined bottom and an opening into which goods are placed. Within the interior of the first container is an extendable or expandable second container, 20, which in normal situations will be enclosed within the container, such as depicted in FIG. 3. When additional storage space is necessary, the extendable second container 20 can be extended outward, away from the trucks such as depicted in FIG. 2. In order to accommodate this additional weight, it is anticipated that the drive train will be extendable as well. Additional wheels may also be provided for additional support.

[0032] There are many ways to extend the cargo space in either embodiment and no specific means is being claimed. Because of the amount of weight that is to be used, the means to extend the second container or second planar member is likely to be a device that will use either a hydraulic, pneumatic, or an electrical system. A gear and pulley system may also be used. No specific way to extend the second container or second planar member is being claimed.

[0033] The second embodiment uses a flatbed and an extendable second planar member, such as depicted in FIG. 6. The extendable second planar member in normal use is positioned on top of the flatbed surface, such as depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9. If additional space is necessary, the extendable second planar member can be extended outward, away from the truck body, such as depicted in FIG. 7.

[0034] A means to lock (not depicted) the extendable second container or second planar member in place during transport will be provided. No particular means to lock the extendable platform in place is being claimed.

[0035] Wheels (not depicted) may be provided to provide additional support to the extendable second container or second planar member may be provided to provide additional support. A ramp (not depicted) may also be used to load or unload the cargo material onto the extendable platform and to unload material from the extendable platform.

[0036] While the embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, certain modifications may be made by those skilled in the art to modify the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.