Description:

The present invention relates to storage containers and in particular to storage

containers for vehicles.

Storage containers for vehicles are known from the prior art in a variety of forms. Known storage boxes suffer from a number of disadvantages, namely taking up space in the vehicle, lacking durability and being relatively difficult to gain access to. Furthermore, such containers are not aesthetically pleasing.

One known storage container is adapted to be installed in the rear part of a 4 x 4 truck, dropside lorry or tipper lorry that comprise a cab for passengers and a storage area.

The storage container is held within the storage area thereof adjacent to the cab. The container takes up a considerable amount of space in the storage area and because it is located at chest height, is relatively difficult to access. Another known storage container, for a similar type of vehicle, is arranged to sit towards the rear of the storage area adjacent to the tailgate. This system also takes up space in the storage area, but is easier to access by virtue of being located lower down. However, this second known arrangement makes it difficult to load items into the storage area (rather than the container) as access thereto, via the tailgate, is inhibited.

The present invention aims to provide a storage system for a vehicle that overcomes one or more of the above problems.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a storage system for a vehicle having a drop-down tailgate, such as a 4 x 4, dropside wagon or tipper lorry, the system

comprising a first part and a second part, said first and second parts together defining a main storage body and closure, said first and second parts being mountable under the tailgate of the vehicle wherein, in an installed state the height of the system in its closed configuration is lower than the lower extent of the vehicle's tailgate thereby enabling opening and closing of the tailgate.

A second aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts for making a storage system for a vehicle having a tailgate comprising; a first and a second part, said first and second parts defining a main storage body and closure; a mounting means for mounting the first and second parts on the vehicle; and means for affixing the mounting means to the vehicle; wherein, in an installed state the system is mounted on the vehicle such that the height of the system in its closed configuration is lower than the lower extent of the vehicle's tailgate.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle fitted with a storage system according to the first or second aspects of the present invention. In the context of this disclosure, a "tailgate" means a drop-down tail door of the type conventionally provided in four-wheel drive vehicles, dropside lorries or wagons and tipper lorries. hi a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage system is fitted to a 4 x 4 utility truck. The mounting means preferably comprises a first part adapted to attach to a part of the vehicle and a second part adapted to attach to the storage system. The storage system and mounting means may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the storage system may be formed as a moulded component.

The storage system can have many uses and may be used to store a variety of items, although it is envisaged that it will find use as a utility box or a gun carrying box. The system is preferably manufactured of a durable material, such as a tough plastics material or metal. Suitable metals include stainless steel, mild steel or aluminium. The system could also be made of fibreglass. This would enable it to be moulded to match the profile of the vehicle. The system may be formed by joining (e.g. welding or gluing) panels, by folding and welding or gluing a blank or by a moulding process (e.g. injection, blow or rotary moulding). The main storage system body and/or closure may have ribs or strengthening elements to reinforce it. Where the system is manufactured from a blank, the blank is preferably cut to shape using a laser.

Preferably, the first part comprises the main storage body and the second part comprises a lid. The lid is liftable to gain access to the main body. Alternatively, both the first and second parts may together form an internal storage area and a closure, for example, being in the form of upwardly and downwardly extending trays that abut one another in the closed configuration. In a further embodiment, the first part may comprise a base part and the second part the main storage body that fits over said base part.

The first part may be hingedly mounted with respect to the second part and may be hinged at various positions depending upon the intended end use of the system. For example, in the embodiment having a main storage body and a lid, the hinge is preferably provided between the side of the lid that runs adjacent to and parallel with the rear of the vehicle and the upper edge of the side of the storage body that runs adjacent and parallel with the rear of the vehicle whereby the lid may be lifted up towards the tailgate of the vehicle. Alternatively, for example, where the first part comprises a base part and the

second part comprises the main storage body, the parts may be hinged at a point remote from the vehicle with the second part being lifted outwardly to lie away from the vehicle.

The first and second parts may have clip formations therein or thereon for retaining items securely, e.g. tools. The clip formations may be integrally formed with the main body or closure. The main storage body and/or closure may also have a lining to protect it from damage, e.g. a vacuum formed plastic liner, which may be removable for ease of cleaning and/or servicing. The storage body and/or closure may also have shaped means for receiving items, such as a multiple gun and/or cartridge store. For example, said shaped means may comprise a foam insert having recesses in the shape of a gun and cartridges for receiving said items.

A seal is preferably provided between the body and closure to prevent ingress or egress of water, dirt and/or gasses.

The system is also preferably lockable to prevent unauthorised access to the contents of thereof. Where the system is lockable, it may be provided with a hasp and staple for locking with a padlock. Additionally or alternatively, a key-operated lock may be provided. In a most preferred embodiment of the invention, the system is lockable remotely, e.g. using a key-fob remote control or by connection to the vehicle's central locking system. Such an arrangement is both convenient for the user and aesthetically appealing. An alarm may also be fitted to the system. Where a lock or alarm is fitted, said lock or alarm may operate in conjunction with the locking or alarm system of the vehicle. Alternatively, independent operation of the system's lock and/or alarm may be desirable, i.e. to enable the vehicle to remain locked whilst permitting access to the storage body and/or vice versa.

The storage system may be provided with an electric circuit for powering tail, brake or fog lights, a number plate illumination means, indicators etc. Accordingly, any one or more of the aforementioned lights may be affixed to or formed integrally with the storage system. Additionally and most preferably, the storage system may be provided with a power source. Preferably, the storage system contains a diesel generator, more preferably being of a variable output, or a transformer/inverter. It is preferable for this to be linked to the vehicle ignition. Preferably, the intended front of the storage system is provided with electrical connections to enable electrical tools to be powered from the system of the present invention. For example, 24v, HOv, 24Ov, earth and live connectors may be provided for electrical arc welding and tungsten inert gas (T.I.G) welding. The arc and T.I. G. leads may be stored within the main storage body with consumables. Preferably, the electrical connections are waterproof. Dependent upon the type of hinge mechanism, the connectors may be concealed inside the main storage body as a security measure. It is envisaged that the most common uses for the storage system according to the present invention will be as an independent power source, eg for 24v, HOv, 24Ov, for electric arc welding and T.I.G welding, as a gun and cartridge carrying box or a utility box.

Preferably, the storage system is suitably dimensioned to fit onto the vehicle in a desired location and/or is constructed with a desired aesthetic appearance, for example, to match the bodywork of the vehicle. The system may have substantially the same dimensions as any of; e.g. the width of the vehicle body; the distance between the bumper and bottom edge of the tailgate; the length of the tow bar extension; the distance between

the wheels of the vehicle; and the road clearance of the vehicle etc. The dimensions can be varied to suit the particular application and/or model of vehicle.

The mounting means is preferably adapted for attachment to the body or chassis of the vehicle. Preferably, the first part of the mounting means comprises a bar or plate that can be welded to or bolted to the chassis of the vehicle. A cantilevered beam or plate may be affixed to the first part of the mounting means. The second part of the mounting means may comprise a plate or bar that can be bolted or welded to the main storage body and/or closure. A third part may be provided comprising a tow bar mounting bracket to which the main storage body and/or closure may be attached, for example, by means of bolts. The tow bar mounting bracket may be attached to the chassis. Preferably, the tow bar bracket is extended compared with a conventional tow bar bracket and is provided with at least one plate for attachment of the storage body and/or closure. The plates are preferably welded to the bracket.

It is preferable to provide retaining means to hold the closure in its open position. Preferably, magnets are provided on the top of the closure to hold it against the tailgate of the vehicle.

A tow hitch extension may also be provided to extend the tow hitch beyond the periphery of the system. It is also preferable to provide a bumper to protect the system and/or vehicle from impacts. The bumper, where provided, may be manufactured from any suitable material, such as tubular or sheet materials, fibreglass or be injection moulded.

The system or bumper, where provided, may incorporate a crumple zone or resilient feature to reduce the impulse conveyed to the system, vehicle, obstruction, other vehicle or pedestrian during an impact.

The side walls of the main storage body may also be provided with brackets for carrying bicycles. One or more further brackets may be provided on the closure and/or side wall for holding other items, such as a vice. The storage system may also be provided with a parking distance sensor or indicator to facilitate manoeuvring the vehicle. This is particularly appropriate in view of the extended depth of the vehicle and the positioning of the extension beneath the tailgate.

It is envisaged that the storage system of the invention may be provided in kit form to garages, car manufacturers or end-users. The kit will necessarily include a box, a mounting means and affixing means (e.g. nuts and bolts or screws) for affixing the mounting means to the vehicle and the storage system to the mounting means. Installation instructions, a template or jig for drilling any necessary holes, fixing tools (e.g. spanners, drill bits, alien keys etc.) may also be provided with the kit. Additionally, a bumper may be provided with the kit or any other accessories therefor, e.g. lights, parking sensors, a wiring loom, a towing hitch, a tow hitch extension, box liner etc. If the storage system is provided with a diesel generator, then it is envisaged that this would be a factory-fitted or a retrospect garage-fitted item.

A preferred embodiment of the invention shall now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which;

Figure 1 shows a side view of a vehicle fitted with a storage system according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle fitted with a storage system according to the invention with its tailgate down;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a vehicle fitted with a storage system according

to the invention with its tailgate up and the box opened; and

Figure 4 is an exploded view of the invention.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings, vehicle 10 is shown fitted with a storage system 30 according to the invention. The storage system 30 is fitted to the rear of the vehicle and extends beyond the rear periphery thereof, i.e. the rear wing 32. A bumper 34 is fitted to the storage system 30 to protect the vehicle 10 from rear impacts in place of the rear bumper of the vehicle. The storage system is intended for all 4x4 vehicles having drop-down rear tailgates, such as a Mitsubishi

L200™ sports utility truck. However, it is to be appreciated that the storage system could be adopted on a dropleaf wagon/lorry or tipper truck under their tailgate. Referring to Figure 2 in particular, the storage system 30 is shown, comprising a box 36 of sheet metal construction. This box is manufactured from mirror-polished stainless steel (preferably 316 grade) for durability and to maintain its lustre over an extended period of time. Depending on the aesthetics of the vehicle, the box 36 could be chrome-plated, painted, powder-coated or even manufactured from a durable polymer material, e.g. polyethylene or polypropylene. Furthermore, the box may be colour-coded to suit the vehicle.

The box 36 has provision for the attachment of a vehicle number plate 38 and a number plate light 40 is provided also. The box 36 has a lid 42, which is hingedly openable. Magnets (not shown) may be provided on the outside of the lid to enable it to be held in the open position by means of the tailgate. A pair of hasp and staple locks 44 are provided to enable the box 36 to be locked using one or more padlocks (not shown). The height of the lid 42 is lower than the lower extent of the vehicle's tailgate 46, which means that the tailgate 46 is free to open and close, thereby allowing relatively free access to the storage area 48 of the vehicle 10.

A stainless steel, plastic or fibreglass bumper 34 wraps around the corners of the box and is fitted with parking distance sensors 50 and reflectors 52 for ease of manoeuvring and safety reasons, respectively. A tow hitch 54 is also provided extending beyond the rear periphery of the box 36. Figure 3 is similar to Figure 2, and like features are not referred to twice for clarity. Here, the lid 42 of the box 36 is opened and the vehicle's tailgate 46 closed. As can be seen, the inner surface of the lid 42 is fitted with clips 54 and cargo net 56 for retaining tools, cables and the like. A power outlet 58 is also provided. The power outlet 58 could supply 6V, 12V or 24V power from the vehicle's battery or mains voltage from a generator. It is preferable to provide a variable output generator or transformer/inverter within the box for providing a power source separate to the vehicle. The embodiment shown in Figure 3 has HOv and 24Ov sockets 93 and earth and live connections 94 for electric arc welding and T.I. G. welding connections.

The box 36 is fitted with a key-operated lock 60 and a sensor 62 linked to the vehicle's alarm system for sensing when the lid 42 is open or closed. A watertight seal 64 is provided between the box 36 and lid 42 for inhibiting ingress of rainwater.

Figure 4 shows a schematic exploded view of the invention, although it is to be appreciated that variations are to be expected to the overall configuration to account for different vehicle types or installation locations on the vehicle. The example shown in Figure 4 relates to the storage system 30 of Figure 1.

A mounting means in the form of a pair of mounting plates 70 are bolted 72 (or welded) to the chassis 74 of the vehicle. The mounting plates 70, when installed provide lips onto which the box 36 can be bolted 74. Also bolted 76 (or welded) to the chassis, is a towing hitch bracket comprising a tow hitch extension 80, which provides a plate 82 to

which the tow hitch 84 can be bolted 86, such that the tow ball 88 extends beyond the rearmost periphery of the box 36 when installed.

The lid 42 is welded or bolted 90 to the box 36 via hinges 92. A bumper (not shown) can be affixed to the chassis 74 or box 36 after installation if desired, as can any other additional parts, e.g. the locks, clips etc.

Whilst the illustrated embodiment has a main storage body in the form of a box with a lid, it is to be appreciated that the main storage body may be formed from two parts which together form part of the main storage body, one part also forming the closure. Alternatively, a base part may be provided, for example in the form of a base plate or shallow tray, that receives a closure in the form of an inverted box-like structure which forms substantially all of the storage body.