Removable deck/platform apparatus with storage access for sport utility ...

(21) Appl. No.: 09/059,510

(22) Filed: Apr. 13, 1998

Related U.S. Application Data

(60) Provisional application No. 60/043,827, filed on Apr. 14, 1997.

(51) Int. C I. B60R 9 00

(52) U.S. CI 224/542; 224/404; 224/539;

296/37.1; 296/37.6; 220/23.8

(58) Field of Search 224/539, 542,

224/42.33, 42.32, 404; 296/37.1, 37.6, 24.1;

220/23.8

(56) References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

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5,441,183 * 8/1995 Frenzel 224/542

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5,979,725 * 11/1999 Lehrman 224/539

* cited by examiner

Primary Examiner—Stephen K. Cronin

(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Kenneth A. Roddy

(57) ABSTRACT

A removable deck/platform apparatus for the cargo area of sport/utility vehicles, pickup trucks, mini vans and/or other similar vehicles. The deck/platform apparatus is formed of forward and aft deck members each with integrally molded depending enclosures that serve as storage compartments and as elevating supports for the respective deck. The two deck members may be placed end-to end to form a larger deck/platform that generally conforms to the interior boundaries of the vehicle cargo area when the rear seats are reclined and stowed and may serve as a sleeping deck for supporting two adults. The storage compartments elevate the deck portions above the floor of the cargo area to define a large under-deck storage area for storing personal articles out of view. The storage compartments are provided with hinged lids for easy access from the top of the deck. One of the storage compartments of the forward deck is thermally insulated to serve as a cooler. The forward and aft deck members may also be installed in the cargo area of a vehicle individually or stacked, one on the other, as the situation or needs of the user warrant.

4 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets