TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an arrangement for extending the enclosed length of a tray or “bed” of a utility vehicle.

BACKGROUND ART

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed in Australia or elsewhere before the priority date of this application.

Utility vehicles, commonly referred to as "utes", are widely used in Australia for light commercial applications. Indeed, the two top selling vehicles of 2020 were both light commercial utility vehicles.

In Australia, the most popular light commercial utility vehicles have an enclosed tray (also referred to as “bed”) that can be opened at one end via a “tailgate”. Conventional tailgates are pivotally mounted at the end of the tray and can be laid flat to facilitate loading and unloading of goods.

The typical length of an enclosed utility vehicle tray is around 1.8 meters. However, the effective length of the tray will often be considerably less than 1.8 meters, due to the fitment of toolboxes and other equipment commonly required by a tradesperson for their work.

Transporting oversized cargo (i.e. cargo that exceeds the effective length of the tray) can be problematic for light commercial utility vehicles. Often, to accommodate the oversized cargo, drivers will lower the tailgate allowing the cargo to extend beyond the length of tray and lowered tailgate. However, transporting cargo in this manner can be dangerous since the cargo is largely unconstrained and requires substantial tying down to prevent the load from moving around and potentially sliding off the tray during transportation. Furthermore, lowering of the tailgate can obstruct the licence plate, which is an offence in Australia. The other approach to carrying oversized cargo is to rest the load on top of the tailgate. However, if not properly tied down, cargo loaded in this manner can become unbalanced during transportation, potentially resulting in an accident if the cargo comes loose. Further, excessive movement of the balanced load during transportation can also cause damage to the tailgate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or substantially ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

In one aspect of the present invention there is provided an extension arrangement for a tray of a utility vehicle, the extension arrangement comprising: an elongate planar base adapted to be securely mounted over an interior wall of a tailgate of the utility vehicle using one or more anchor points in each side wall of the tailgate, the base having a longitudinal hinged edge locatable adjacent a longitudinal free end of the tailgate; a rectangular end panel having a longitudinal edge hingedly coupled to the longitudinal hinged edge of the base member; a pair of side panels each hingedly coupled to a respective side edge of the rectangular end panel and having a free end comprising a latch component; wherein, in use, the tailgate is lowered and a longitudinal free end of the end panel is directed away from the elongate planar base member until the elongate planar base member and end panel are disposed at right angles, and wherein, once so disposed, a free end of each side panel is directed away from the end panel until they are each disposed at right angles with respect to the end panel and wherein, once so disposed, the respective latch components are secured to a predefined tailgate latch arrangement on the tray of the utility vehicle, thereby securely extending the enclosed space of the tray.

In an embodiment, for storage, the tailgate latch component for each side panel is released from the corresponding latch arrangement and the side panels are folded inwardly so that they rest on an interior wall of the end panel and wherein, once so located, the longitudinal free end of the end panel is lowered until the end panel lays flat over the elongate base. In an embodiment, the end panel is hingedly coupled to the base via one or more detachable hinges, thereby allowing the end panel to be removed from the base.

In an embodiment, the base comprises one or more perforations for attachment for accessories.

In an embodiment, the perforations comprise “T” shape cut-outs that are raised off the interior wall of the tailgate providing for secure placement of accessories and tie-down points.

In an embodiment, the end panel comprises one or more vents.

In an embodiment, the end panel comprises one or more fold down or detachable panels for accommodating oversized cargo.

In an embodiment, the panel(s) is/are biased closed using one or more sprung hinges.

In an embodiment, the anchor points are located in a side edge of the tailgate.

In an embodiment, the side panels each have an outer profile that is configured to accommodate to normal operation of a tailgate arm.

The features and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, provided by way of example only, together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is an isometric view of an extension arrangement mounted to a tailgate of a utility vehicle in an open “in use” configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a top view of the extension arrangement of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an isometric view of the extension arrangement of Figure 1 in a closed “stowed” configuration;

Figures 4 & 5 are left and right views, respectively, of the extension arrangement shown in Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a top view of the extension arrangement shown in Figure 3;

Figure 7 is an isometric view of the extension arrangement of Figure 1, sans tailgate;

Figure 8 is a top view of the extension arrangement shown in Figure 7;

Figures 9 & 10 are left and right views, respectively, of the extension arrangement shown in Figure 7;

Figure 11 is an end view of the extension arrangement shown in Figure 7;

Figure 12 is a top view of the extension arrangement shown in Figure 7, in a stowed position; and

Figure 13 is an isometric view of the base member of the extension arrangement shown in Figure 1 to 12;

Figure 14 shows steps for placing the extension arrangement in an open state from an open state;

Figure 15 shows an example accessory mounted to a base of the extension arrangement of Figures 1 to 14;

Figure 16 illustrates example operation of an oversize cargo panel provided in the end panel of the extension arrangement of Figures 1 to 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE

INVENTION

Embodiments described herein relate to an arrangement for extending the effective enclosed space of a light commercial vehicle tray. A particular advantage of the invention is that the extension arrangement can be securely fastened to a range of popular Australian light vehicles using existing tray and tailgate fixtures, thus allowing the arrangement to be readily fitted without requiring any vehicle modification. Embodiments also advantageously function to provide additional tie-down and accessory securement points, again without the need for vehicle modification.

Referring to the Figures, there is shown a vehicle extension arrangement 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The extension arrangement 10 secures to a tailgate 12 of a utility vehicle. The extension arrangement 10 comprises four planar panels 14, 16, 18, 20 that co-operate to enclose the tray if the vehicle when the tailgate 12 is lowered (as shown in Figure 1 sans vehicle tray). The planar panels 14, 16, 18, 20 also cooperate to allow the arrangement 10 to fold in on itself for stowage, as generally shown in Figure 3.

In more detail, a first of the planar panels 14 (herein referred to as the “base”) is adapted to locate over an interior wall 13 of the tailgate 12. The shape of the base 14 generally corresponds to that of the interior wall 13, with edges 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d disposed inwardly of a corresponding tailgate edge 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d for clearance during stowage.

With particular reference to Figure 13, the base 14 is formed of a sturdy lightweight material, such as plastic or aluminium. The base 14 is secured to the tailgate 12 via a plurality of brackets 22. According to the illustrated embodiment, a bracket 22 is disposed adjacent each corner of the base 14. A first end of each bracket 22 is welded or otherwise securely fastened to a corresponding side edge 14c, 14d of the base 14. A body portion of the bracket 22 extends outwardly before progressively angling down to an end portion 23 that is disposed at right angles to the base 14. The end portion 23 of each bracket 22 includes one or more through holes 24 for registering with corresponding threaded openings 26 in an adjacently located side wall of the tailgate 12. Installation involves placing the base 14 over the interior wall 13 of the tailgate 12 so that the through holes 24 are in registration with the corresponding threaded openings 26. Appropriately sized screws are then inserted through the holes 24 before being screwed into the openings 26 for securely fastening the base 14 over the interior wall 13. According to the illustrated embodiment, the brackets 22 are angled to allow the base 14 to sit off the interior wall, providing a clearance for securement accessories, as will be described in subsequent paragraphs.

A longitudinal edge 16a of the second planar panel 16 (hereafter referred to as the “end panel”) is hingedly attached to longitudinal edge 14a of the base 14 via one or more hinge assemblies 30. A first end 18a, 20a of each remaining panel 18, 20 (hereafter “side panels”) is in turn hingedly attached to a corresponding side edge 16c, 16d of the planar panel 16 via one or more hinge assemblies 32. A free end 18b, 20b of each side panel 18, 20 includes a latch component 34 for latching to a pre-existing latch arrangement on the vehicle. The latch component 34, may utilise the existing holes, screws and bolts already pre- fabricated on the existing tailgates. According to the illustrated embodiment, the latch component comprises a sliding latch pin. An additional latch or clamp may also be used to provide additional lateral support.

As previously mentioned, the extension arrangement 10 is configurable between an open “in use” state for extending the enclosed space of the tray, and a closed “stowed” state. Changing between the two states is facilitated by way of the hinge assemblies 30, 32, as will now be described with particular reference to Figures 14a to 14d. For configuring the arrangement 10 in the “in use” state, the tailgate 12 is lowered to a generally co-planar disposition with the tray (this transition is shown in Figures 14a and 14b). A non-hinged longitudinal edge 16b of the end panel 16 is then lifted away from the base 14 until the end panel 16 is generally orthogonal to the base 14, as shown in Figure 14c. Free ends 18b, 20b of the side panels 18, 20 are thereafter swung outwardly away from an inner face of the end panel 16 until the latch components 34 are brought into contact with the corresponding latch arrangement on the tray body for latching thereto. Once latched the extension arrangement 10 is ready for use (see Figure 14d). Stowage of the extension arrangement 10 is the reverse procedure. As can be seen from Figure 14a, when the extension arrangement 10 is in the stowed state, the tailgate 12 can be closed in the usual fashion with the extension arrangement 10 taking up only a small amount of tray space.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the hinge assemblies 30 take the form of retractable door hinges that advantageously allow the end panel 16 and connected sides 18, 20 to be detachably removed from the base 12, as required. Further, as can be seen from the Figures, the hinge assemblies 30 are spaced off the interior wall 17 of the end panel 16 by a distance corresponding to the width of the side panels 18, 20, thereby allowing the end panel 16 to sit flat over the base 12 when in the stowed position (i.e. with the side panels 18, 20 sandwiched therebetween). Cut-out portions 19 in the side panels accommodate the hinge assemblies 30 and allow the side panels 18, 20 to sit flush between the end panel 16 and base 14 when stowed.

An outer wall of each side panel 18, 20 comprises a profiled lower portion 21 that provides a sufficient clearance for unobstructed operation of the tailgate strut and/or assist arm 23 that extends between the tailgate side wall and tray body. According to the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion 21 comprises a recessed rectangular panel, though other profiled shapes and configurations may be utilised depending on the desired aesthetics and tailgate strut/arm configuration.

As mentioned in preceding paragraphs, the base 14 may advantageously function to provide additional tray tie down and accessory securement points. According to the illustrated embodiment, an array of T-shaped openings 40 are provided in the base 14. The T- shaped openings 40 are adapted for receiving spring-loaded lock mechanisms coupled to accessories that are to be secured to the base 14. The array of T-shaped openings 40 provides a high degree of flexibility for positioning of accessories, such as bicycle stands, panel stands, toolbox mounts, etc. An example showing mounting of a panel stand 42 can be seen in Figure 15. In this instance, the stand 42 is positioned for receiving an end of an oversized door panel.

As mentioned in the background section, a particular disadvantage of conventional utility vehicle trays is that oversized loads need to be either carried with the tailgate lowered (which causes the licence plate to be obstructed and is therefore illegal), or for the load to rest atop the edge of the closed tailgate, which can be dangerous. In a preferred embodiment, the end panel 16 comprises one or more openings for provision of such oversized cargo. According to the illustrated embodiment (see particularly Figure 16), a hinged panel 44 is provided in a body of the end panel 16 which can be folded down to receive oversized cargo. The hinged panel 44 may be biased shut by way of a sprung hinge. In addition, the end panel 14 provides a recessed space 45 for a duplicate licence plate, ensuring that the vehicle complies with road regulations when the extension arrangement 10 is in use (i.e. with the tailgate 12 lowered). Further, according to the illustrated embodiment, one or more air flow openings 46 are provided in the end panel 14 for reducing wind resistance. The openings 46 may also serve as additional tie down points.

It will be appreciated that embodiments described herein advantageously allow for the extension arrangement 10 to be retro-fitted to utility vehicles without any modification of the tray or tailgate.

While a number of preferred embodiments have been described, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.