Truck bed extension apparatus

Abstract

The present invention comprises an extension apparatus for a vehicle storage area with the preferred embodiments using a bracket and frame construction to provide for a foldable lightweight extension device.

We claim:  
     
         1 . An extension apparatus for the storage bed of a vehicle comprising: 
 first and second elongated extension members;    a first and second pivot means mounted to said first and second extension member respectively;    a frame adapted for mounting said first and second pivot means;    a first and second side frame, with each of said first and second side frames having a side frame pivot means mounted upon said frame;    whereby said side frames pivot outwardly along said side frame pivot means when the apparatus is mounted on the vehicle.    
     
     
         2 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , whereby said side frames are adapted to be in nesting relationship with said frame.  
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , further comprising a first and second cover mounted upon each of said first and second side frames respectively, and a third cover mounted upon said frame.  
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , further comprising an elastic means, whereby said elastic means is used to assist in the opening and closing of the tailgate of a vehicle, when said extension apparatus is installed upon said vehicle.  
     
     
         5 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , further comprising a block means, whereby said block means is used to prevent bouncing of the tailgate of a vehicle, when said extension apparatus is installed upon said vehicle.  
     
     
         6 . An apparatus as in  claim 3 , further comprising a first and second cover mounted upon each of said first and second side frames respectively, and a third cover mounted upon said frame.  
     
     
         7 . An apparatus as in  claim 6 , whereby said first, second and third cover are removeably mounted upon said first and second side frames and said frame respectively.  
     
     
         8 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , whereby said first and second extension members are mounted upon a first and second bracket respectively, so as to permit at least some movement of said first and second extension members relative to said brackets.  
     
     
         9 . An apparatus as in  claim 8 , whereby said side frames are adapted to be in nesting relationship with said frame, and said frame in turn is adapted to be in nesting relationship to said bracket.  
     
     
         10 . An apparatus as in  claim 8 , whereby said brackets are mounted to a vehicle.  
     
     
         11 . An apparatus as in  claim 10 , whereby said first and second extension members are slideably mounted within said brackets.  
     
     
         12 . An apparatus as in  claim 11 , further comprising a first and second cover mounted upon each of said first and second side frames respectively, and a third cover mounted upon said frame.  
     
     
         13 . An apparatus as in  claim 12 , whereby said first, second and third cover are removeably mounted upon said first and second side frames and said frame respectively.  
     
     
         14 . An extension apparatus for the storage bed of a vehicle comprising: 
 a frame;    a pivot means;    a first and second side frame, with each of first and second side frames having a side frame pivot means mounted upon said frame;    whereby said pivot means pivots said frame upwardly, and said side frame pivot means pivots said side frame outwardly when the apparatus is mounted on the vehicle.    
     
     
         15 . An apparatus as in  claim 14  recessed within a tailgate of a vehicle.  
     
     
         16 . An apparatus as in  claim 15 , whereby said pivot means is attached to the tailgate of a vehicle.