Tailgate-mounted work surface

Abstract

A portable work surface for use with a vehicle having an extendable rear gate, wherein the rear gate includes first and second latches for securing the rear gate to the body of the vehicle when in a closed position, and wherein the portable work surface includes an elongated platform; a first mounting apparatus attached to one end of the elongated platform, wherein the first mounting apparatus further includes a bracket and pin assembly; a second mounting apparatus attached to the opposite end of the elongated platform, wherein the second mounting apparatus further includes a bracket and pin assembly; and wherein each pin is adapted to cooperate with one of the latches on the rear gate for securely attaching the work surface to the gate when the gate is in the open position.

1 ) A portable work surface, comprising:
 (a) a platform; and   (b) at least one mounting apparatus attached to or formed integrally with the platform, wherein the at least one mounting apparatus is adapted to cooperate with a latching mechanism mounted on or within a substrate, and wherein the cooperation of the mounting apparatus and latching mechanism is operative to stabilize the platform on or against the substrate.   
     
     
         2 ) The portable work surface of  claim 1 , wherein the platform is substantially planar. 
     
     
         3 ) The portable work surface of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one mounting apparatus further includes a bracket and pin assembly, and wherein the pin cooperates with the latching mechanism on the substrate. 
     
     
         4 ) The portable work surface of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one mounting apparatus is fixed with regard to its position on the platform. 
     
     
         5 ) The portable work surface of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one mounting apparatus is vertically adjustable with regard to its position on the platform. 
     
     
         6 ) The portable work surface of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one mounting apparatus is horizontally adjustable with regard to its position on the platform. 
     
     
         7 ) The portable work surface of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one mounting apparatus is vertically and horizontally adjustable with regard to its position on the platform. 
     
     
         8 ) The portable work surface of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate is the tailgate of a pickup truck, SUV, or the like. 
     
     
         9 ) The portable work surface of  claim 1 , wherein the latching mechanism is spring-loaded. 
     
     
         10 ) A portable work surface for use with a vehicle having an extendable rear gate, wherein the rear gate includes first and second latches for securing the rear gate to the body of the vehicle when in a closed position, and wherein the portable work surface comprises:
 (a) an elongated platform;   (b) a first mounting apparatus attached to one end of the elongated platform, wherein the first mounting apparatus further includes a bracket and pin assembly;   (c) a second mounting apparatus attached to the opposite end of the elongated platform, wherein the second mounting apparatus further includes a bracket and pin assembly; and   (d) wherein each pin is adapted to cooperate with one of the latches on the rear gate for securely attaching the work surface to the gate when the gate is in the open position.   
     
     
         11 ) The portable work surface of  claim 10 , wherein the platform is substantially planar. 
     
     
         12 ) The portable work surface of  claim 10 , wherein each mounting apparatus is fixed with regard to its position on the platform. 
     
     
         13 ) The portable work surface of  claim 10 , wherein each mounting apparatus is vertically adjustable with regard to its position on the platform. 
     
     
         14 ) The portable work surface of  claim 10 , wherein each mounting apparatus is horizontally adjustable with regard to its position on the platform. 
     
     
         15 ) The portable work surface of  claim 10 , wherein each mounting apparatus is vertically and horizontally adjustable with regard to its position on the platform. 
     
     
         16 ) A portable work surface for use with a vehicle having an extendable rear gate, wherein the rear gate includes first and second latches for securing the rear gate to the body of the vehicle, and the portable work surface comprises:
 (a) an elongated, substantially planar platform, wherein the platform further includes at least one rigid supportive material;   (b) a first mounting apparatus attached to one end of the elongated platform, wherein the first mounting apparatus further includes an adjustable bracket and pin assembly;   (c) a second mounting apparatus attached to the opposite end of the elongated platform, wherein the second mounting apparatus further includes an adjustable bracket and pin assembly; and   (d) wherein each pin is adapted to cooperate with one of the latches on the rear gate for securely attaching the work surface to the gate when the gate is in the open position.   
     
     
         17 ) The portable work surface of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one rigid material is wood, plastic, metal, or a synthetic building material. 
     
     
         18 ) The portable work surface of  claim 16 , wherein each mounting apparatus is vertically adjustable with regard to its position on the platform. 
     
     
         19 ) The portable work surface of  claim 16 , wherein each mounting apparatus is horizontally adjustable with regard to its position on the platform. 
     
     
         20 ) The portable work surface of  claim 16 , wherein each mounting apparatus is vertically and horizontally adjustable with regard to its position on the platform.