초록 ▼

A storage unit is anchored in a truck bed with an attachment system incorporating side modules forming a track for easy pull-out and yet security when moved to a storage position within the truck bed. The storage unit and/or the side modules have recesses and components shaped for function and utili

A storage unit is anchored in a truck bed with an attachment system incorporating side modules forming a track for easy pull-out and yet security when moved to a storage position within the truck bed. The storage unit and/or the side modules have recesses and components shaped for function and utility, as well as security and yet easy access. For example, the side modules can include a stationary light, a pull-out spot light, an electrical plug, a storage recess with a lockable cover, and/or a tool-holding recess. The storage unit includes functionally-shaped walls, pull-out containers and drawers, repositionable dividers for the storage recess, a lockable cover, handles to facilitate carriage, wheels for rolling transport, walls with external cable anchors for tying down items, and/or an air deflector/spoiler. The side modules can be releasable for use as a suitcase-like separate unit.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A storage apparatus for storing items in a truck bed comprises: a storage unit shaped to fit into the truck bed; andan attachment system with side modules each having an inner surface mating with an end of the storage unit and an outer surface adapted to mate with an inside of the truck bed for h

1. A storage apparatus for storing items in a truck bed comprises: a storage unit shaped to fit into the truck bed; andan attachment system with side modules each having an inner surface mating with an end of the storage unit and an outer surface adapted to mate with an inside of the truck bed for holding the storage unit in a stable position in the truck bed, the storage unit being removably attached to the side modules, the side modules each having a storage recess and a retainer for holding an item in the storage recess, the storage recess being at least partially covered when the storage unit is attached to the side modules, but being exposed when the storage unit is removed. 2. The storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the side modules define a rearwardly extending track that engages ends of the storage unit to facilitate pulling the storage unit onto a tailgate of the truck bed for easier access. 3. The storage apparatus of claim 2, wherein one or both of the side modules include functional features including at least one of: a stationary bed light, a pull-out spot light on a flexible cable, and an electrical power source plug. 4. The storage apparatus of claim 2, wherein the storage unit includes functional features including at least one of: a storage recess, pull-out containers and drawers, repositionable dividers for the storage recess, walls with internal depressions defining useful holders such as a cupholder or tool holder, a lockable cover, handles to facilitate carrying the storage unit away from the truck, wheels to facilitate rolling the storage unit like a two-wheel cart, walls with external depressions defining a cable anchor for tying down items in the truck bed, and an air deflector/spoiler for improved air flow and better gas mileage. 5. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of the side modules includes at least one lockable storage compartment. 6. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of the side modules includes wiring adapted for connection to the truck, and including a power outlet connected to the wiring. 7. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of the side modules includes a light source. 8. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein the storage unit includes drawers slidably mounted therein, and further includes a lock to prevent unauthorized access to the drawers. 9. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein the storage unit includes a wall defining at least one recess shaped to receive a bicycle wheel for stably supporting a bicycle stored thereagainst. 10. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of the side modules includes a handle for grasping and lifting, and wherein the at least one side module also includes a fastener with head configured for rotation without tools so that the at least one side module can be secured to the truck bed but can be released without the need for a separate tool. 11. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein the storage unit includes at least one handle for grasping and lifting. 12. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein the storage unit includes wheels for rolling along a floor surface. 13. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein the storage unit defines at least part of an elongated recess there under; and including a ramp telescopingly stored in the recess and extendable to provide an inclined surface to assist in moving heavy objects into the storage unit. 14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the side modules and storage unit include a light source for lighting an area associated with the storage unit. 15. The apparatus defined in claim 14, wherein the light source includes an extendable cable that can be extended to orient the light source in different directions. 16. The apparatus defined in claim 15, wherein the light source includes a clip for removable attachment adapted to support the light source on a separate support structure. 17. A storage apparatus for storing items in a truck bed having a tail gate, comprises: a storage unit including outwardly facing ends; andat least one side module with an outer surface adapted to mate with an inwardly-facing side of the truck bed for holding the side module in a stable position against the truck bed rearward of a vehicle wheel well and between the wheel well and a vehicle tailgate; the at least one side module further including an inner surface forming a track that is shaped to matably engage the outwardly facing ends of the storage unit for retaining the storage unit securely in the truck bed against the tail gate of the truck; the at least one side module further including at least one compartment and an access opening on an inboard side for accessing the at least one compartment, and at least one retainer for holding items in the compartment, and including a fastener for releasably retaining the side module in the stable position in the truck bed, the side module further having a handle that can be grasp for carrying the side module, the storage compartment being at least partially protected when the storage unit is attached to the side modules, but being exposed when the storage unit is removed.