초록 ▼

A hidden storage system incorporated in the bed of a vehicle without altering the bed's external appearance. The storage system is located adjacent the wheel well sections of the bed, and uses hinges to open and close the fender/side panel of the bed. Since the storage system does not alter the truc

A hidden storage system incorporated in the bed of a vehicle without altering the bed's external appearance. The storage system is located adjacent the wheel well sections of the bed, and uses hinges to open and close the fender/side panel of the bed. Since the storage system does not alter the truck's external appearance, it reduces the attraction for theft. Also, since the storage area does not extend inwardly beyond the conventional wheel wells, the storage system leaves most of the truck bed free for use. The hidden storage system is incorporated into the bed by either an initial fabrication method or a conversion method using an existing bed. The hidden storage system may consist of a single assembly composed of a storage box and hinged side panel location on at least one side of the bed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A conventional pickup truck bed adapted to be mounted on wheels having conventional fender/side panels, and a hidden storage system located intermediate said conventional fender/side panels and which does not substantially alter an external appearance of said conventional

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A conventional pickup truck bed adapted to be mounted on wheels having conventional fender/side panels, and a hidden storage system located intermediate said conventional fender/side panels and which does not substantially alter an external appearance of said conventional fender/side panels when compared to fender/side panels of a substantially identical pickup truck bed, said hidden storage system comprising:at least one storage box having an interior mounted within and on at least one side of said pickup truck bed and having an opening adjacent one of said conventional fender/side panels;at least two portions of said one of said conventional fender/side panels on said at least one side of said pickup truck bed being horizontally hinged, whereby said hinged conventional fender/side panel portions can be raised or lowered to expose the interior of said storage box and lowered or raised to cover the interior of said storage box; anda lock and latch mechanism mounted to releasably secure said hinged conventional fender/side panel portions.