WO2002034573A1

WO2002034573A1 - Improved box for a truck bed

Info

Publication number: WO2002034573A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/031937
Authority: WO
Inventors: Julian M. Maimin
Original assignee: RHINO LINING USA Inc
Current assignee: RHINO LINING USA Inc
Priority date: 2000-10-27
Filing date: 2001-10-12
Publication date: 2002-05-02
Anticipated expiration: 2003-04-27
Also published as: AU2001296829A1

Abstract

A box (10)for a bed of a truck. The box comprises a first container element (14) and a second container element (16) securable to the first container element. The first container element comprises a top body section (18) and lid (12) of the box, and the lid maybe attached to the top body section. The second container element comprises a base body section of the box and is configured for receipt within a central cavity of the top body section of the first container element when the box is in a disassembled state. The box may further comprise a spacer element for adjusting the size of the box.

Description

SPECIFICATION IMPROVED BOX FOR A TRUCK BED

Field of the Invention This present invention relates to boxes, such as toolboxes, for placement on or in _.truck beds, such as a bed of a pickup truck.

Back^ground of the Invention

Many owners of trucks require or desire an accessory box or toolbox located or installed on or in the bed of their truck. Truck-bed boxes provide space for conveniently storing and/or transporting tools, lines, or recreational gear, and such boxes can help protect tools and gear from theft and/or damage, such as, for example damage from weather conditions. While such boxes may offer convenient storage and transport, such boxes are not entirely convenient to use. For example, such boxes are typically not easily transportable apart from the truck in which they are located, and, therefore, require the user to unload and reload the contents of the box (e.g., into a box that is not attached to the truck and/or that enables the user to take the contents of the box to a location separate from the truck) and/or return to the box for specific items left therein.

In addition, such boxes may not provide sufficient protection from theft, and, therefore, require the user to unload and reload the contents of the box (e.g., into a separate box to enable taking the contents of the box to a more secure location) if the box were to be left unattended. Also, such boxes tend to occupy what can be significant room in the bed of a truck. Furthermore, such boxes are typically inconvenient and expensive to store and display in retail stores, and are typically expensive to ship, e.g., due at least in part to their large dimensions. In retail stores, where floor space is an expensive commodity, a retailer may be inconvenienced by the amount of floor space required to show and store particular truck-bed boxes. Furthermore, a retailer may be limited by warehouse space in the number of truck-bed boxes that can be stored for future sale. A manufacturer will similarly be burdened by the cost of storing large truck-bed boxes before shipping them to customers or retailers. Shipping charges are typically based on weight and size, and due to the size of typical truck-bed boxes, they are relatively expensive to ship, and typically can only be shipped in relatively low volume. A customer who purchases a truck-bed box from a non-local retailer or wholesaler and agrees to pay the shipping cost, might be surprised and dismayed at the cost of shipping such a large box.

While it is evident that truck-bed boxes are inconvenient to use, store, and display, and are expensive to ship, they are nonetheless desirable and popular. An improved truck-bed box that is more convenient to use, store, display, and ship would be highly desirable.

Summary of the Present Invention

The present invention is directed to an improved box for the bed of a truck. The box of the present invention can be condensed into a more compact and convenient form for storage and shipping, and can be configured into a more standard form for use in the bed of a truck. In addition, the box of the present invention includes a portion that may be separately removed from the complete box enabling transport of that portion (and its contents) apart from the box and thereby freeing the space in the truck bed previously occupied by that portion of the box.

To this end, an exemplary embodiment of the box comprises a lid, an upper body component, and a lower body component. The upper body component and the lower body component of this first embodiment are preferably sized and styled to enable the lower body to at least partially nest into a central cavity of the upper body to result in a condensed form of the box. Such condensed form being convenient for storage and shipping. The upper body and the lower body of this embodiment are also preferably sized and styled to enable the lower body to drop down and out of the upper body of the box to convert the box from its condensed form into its standard form. Such standard form being convenient for placement in and/or installation on the bed of a truck for storing items such as, for example, tools, etc. The lower body portion is also preferably removable to enable transport of that portion (and its contents) apart from the box.

In this first exemplary form the upper body component preferably includes a top edge and a bottom edge, the top edge of which preferably accommodates a lid. The bottom edge of the upper body preferably includes a lip extending at least partially along or near the bottom edge. Also in this first exemplary form, the lower body component preferably has features similar to a standard box bottom, and includes a top edge. The lower body preferably includes a flange extending at least partially along or near it's top edge. The flange of the lower body and the Up of the upper body preferably interact to allow the lower body of the box to hang from and attach to the upper body, thereby allowing the box to be configured in a standard form for holding tools, accessories, and or other items. The lower body also preferably includes a set of handles or a handle area formed thereon to more easily allow the lower body to be inserted and removed from the box for transport apart from the box. Indeed, the lower body may also include a • separate lid to enable closing the lower body when it is apart from the box.

In a second preferred form, the box includes a spacer element, which preferably fits along ^' and between the flange of the lower body and the lip of the upper body thereby separating the upper body from the lower body thereby limiting the lower body from fully dropping down from the upper body when in the standard form. This second embodiment box results in a standard form that is slightly smaller, i.e., shallower or shorter, than the standard form of a box not including such a spacer element.

In a third preferred form, the box includes a spacer element as in the second embodiment, but further includes additional piggy-backed spacer elements enabling the amount of drop down of the lower body to be adjusted by adjusting the number of spacer elements thereby controlling the size, i.e., the depth or height, of the resultant box.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved box for a bed of a truck.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved box for a truck-bed, which box can be converted from a smaller condensed form to a larger standard form. It is an additional object of the present invention to provide an improved box for a truck bed, the size of which box can be limited.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved box for a truck bed, the size of which box can be adjusted. It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved box for a truck bed, a portion of which box can be readily removed.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method for condensing a box for a truck bed into a size that is convenient for shipping and storage, and for expanding the box into a size that is convenient for use.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method of limiting the size of a box for a truck bed.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of adjusting the size of a box for a truck bed. Other obj ects and features of the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a standard form box in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1' is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a standard form box in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the box of Figure 1 with the lid removed.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the top surface of the lid of the box of Figure 1. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the lid of the box of Figure 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the upper body component of the box of Figure 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lower component of the box of Figure 1.

FIGS. 6A-D respectively show exemplary steps of assembling the box of Figure 1 to a standard configuration. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary spacer element with a threaded element shown partially in phantom.

FIGS. 8A-C respectively are plan, front, and side views of a lid of an exemplary box of the present invention. FIGS. 9A-C respectively are plan, front, and side views of an upper body component of an exemplary box of the present invention.

FIGS. 10A-C respectively are plan, front, and side views of a lower body component for an exemplary box of the present invention. FIGS. 11 A-C respectively are plan, front, and side views of a spacer element for an exemplary box of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning to a detailed description of the present mvention. As is mentioned above, the present invention is directed to an improved box 10 for installation on or placement in ths bed of a truck, such as a pick-up truck. The preferred box 10 comprises a lid 12, an upper body component 14, and a lower body component 16. (FIG. 1.) The lid 12 comprises the top to the assembled box 10 (FIG. 1); the upper body component 14 and the lower body component 16 together comprise the walls or sides of the box 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2); and the lower body component 16 further comprises the bottom of the box 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2). An exemplary embodiment of the box 10 of the present invention is generally rectangular in overall shape (i.e., a six-sided cubic rectangular object, e.g., as is shown in FIG. 1), but could be provided in any shape desired. For example, a first embodiment box 10 preferably includes stepped sides forming two tiers such that the lower portion of the box 10 comprising the lower body component 16 is narrower in width and shorter in length than the upper portion of the box 10 comprising the upper body component 14 and lid 12. (FIG. 1.) As a further example, a second embodiment box 10' preferably includes an additional side wall step-down 25 on side walls 22b' and 22d' of an upper body portion 14' forming three tiers along those sides such that the bottom and lower portion of the box 10' comprising a lower body portion 16^* is narrower and shorter in length than a lower portion of the upper body component 14', and the lower portion of the upper body component 14' is shorter in length than the top of the box 10' comprising a lid 12' and an upper portion of the upper body component 14". (FIG. 1'.) Therefore, while this disclosure is primarily directed to a box 10 having a generally rectangular overall shape, boxes may be manufactured in many different geometrical configurations and still incorporate the present invention as claimed below.

Turning back to the box 10, as is mentioned above, the box 10 preferably includes a lid 12. The lid 12 is preferably a unitary component comprising a top wall 18 and four side walls 20a-d. (FIGS. 3 A and 3B.) Preferably the top wall 18 has a generally flat rectangular shape having four edges, and the four side walls 20a-d respectively join to or are part of the top wall 18 along each of the top wall four edges. The side ^'walls 20a-d may be separate components that are attached to the top wall 18 by processes well known in the art, e.g., soldering, welding, gluing, etc., or may be manufactured as part of or integral to the top wall 18 by processes welLknown in the art, e.g., stamping, injection molding, etc. The processes used will depend at least in part upon the material desired to construct the box 10, such materials may comprise and/or include metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, etc., or plastics, including polyethylene, etc., or any material or combination of materials as is or are well known in the art. The preferred material is a durable material such as metal, namely aluminum or stainless steel.

The lid 12 is preferably shaped to correspond to a top edge of the upper body component 14, described in more detail below. As is mentioned above, the box 10 may have a non- rectangular overall shape, and, in any event, the geometry of the lid 12 preferably should match the geometry of the upper body component 14 as viewed from a top plan view. In the present embodiment, the lid 12 preferably comprises a length L, a width W, and a depth D. (FIGS. 8A- C.) While the length L of the lid 12 may be any length desired, it preferably is in the range of about 20-115 inches, and more preferably within the range of about 45-95 inches, and most preferably is about 69.5 inches. Similarly, the width W of the lid 12 may be any width desired, but it preferably is in the range of about 6-36 inches, and more preferably within the range of about 12-24 inches, and most preferably is about 20.5 inches. Similarly, the depth D of the lid 12 may be any depth desired, but it preferably is in the range of about 0.5-5 inches, and more preferably within the range of about 1.5-4 inches, and most preferably is about 2-2.5 inches.

The upper body component 14 preferably comprises four side walls 22a-d and a lip or shelf 24. (FIG. 4.) Preferably the four side walls 22a-d are oriented to form a rectangular shape, generally forming at least a portion of the walls of box 10. (FIGS. 1 and 2.) The side walls 22a- d are preferably oriented to provide the upper body 14 with a top edge 26 and a bottom edge 28. (FIGS. 2 and 4.) The side walls 22b and 22d may also include handles 27 (one handle 27 is shown in phantom in FIG.4 and such handles are generally known in the art) and/or other features, e.g., side wall windows 29 shown in FIG. 4 to facilitate attaching buckles and/or locks (as are well known in the art) to facilitate closing and/or locking the lid 12 to the upper body 14. The top edge 26 of the upper body 14 preferably comprises a shape that accommodates the lid 12 of the box 10, and may further comprise a rim 30. (FIGS. 2 and 4.) The rim 30 enables the lid 12 to fit on the upper body 14 such that the walls 20a-d of the lid 12 fit flush with the walls 22a-d of the upper body 14. (FIG. 1.) In addition, and optionally, the lid 12 may be connected to the upper body 14 by any means as are well known in the art, for example, via a hinge, buckles, straps, locks, etc.

The lip 24 is preferably located along or near the bottom edge 28 and preferably extends along at least a portion of the bottom edge 28. (FIGS. 2 and 4.) The lip 24 generally also extends inward from and perpendicular to the side walls 22a-d to form an aperture 32 which defines an area smaller than the area defined by the four upper body side walls 22a-d. (FIG. 2.) As is explained in more detail below, the aperture 32 should be shaped to correspond to the shape of the lower body component 16. (FIGS. 6A-D.) As is also explained more fully below, the lip 24 preferably also includes connector holes 33 to facilitate connecting the upper body 14 to the lower body 16. (FIGS. 4 and 6A.) The lip 24 also preferably includes connector holes 35 to facilitate connecting the upper body 14 to a truck. (FIGS.4, 6A, and 6D.)

The side walls 22a-d and lip 24 of the upper body 14 may be initially manufactured as separate components that are attached to each other by processes well known in the art, e.g., soldering, welding, gluing, etc., or may be manufactured as a single component, or as a portion of the same, by processes well known in the art, e.g., stamping, injection molding, etc. The upper body 14 may be manufactured from the same material as the lid 12 and/or from a different material, but preferably from, for example, aluminum or stainless steel. In any event, the side walls 22a-d should be constructed so the upper edge 26 is shaped to correspond to the shape of the lid 12, and the lower edge 28 is shaped to accommodate lip 24 and aperture 32, which in turn accommodate the lower body portion 16. As is indicated above, generally the preferred shape is rectangular, but, as is also described above, any shape or more than one shape, may be formed.

The upper body 14 preferably comprises a length L', a width W', and a depth Dl ' (including the rim 30) or D2' (excluding the rim 30). (FIGS. 9A-C.) While the length L' of the upper body 14 may be any length desired, it preferably is in the range of about 20-115 inches, and more preferably within the range of about 45-95 inches, and most preferably is about 69.5 inches. Similarly, the width W' of the upper body 14 may be any width desired, but it preferably is in the range of about 6-36 inches, and more preferably within the range of about 12-24 inches, and most preferably is about 20.5 inches. Similarly, the depth Dl ' of the upper body may be any depth desired, but it preferably is in the range of about 1-12 inches, and more preferably within the range of about 3-8 inches, and most preferably is about 5.5 inches, including the rim 30. The rim 30 comprises preferably about 0.5-1 inch of the depth Dl ' measurement of the upper body 14 thereby leaving D2' in the range most preferably of about 4.5-5 inches.

As is described above, the upper body 14 also comprises the aperture 32. The aperture 32 of the upper body 14 preferably comprises a length AL' and a width AW'. (FIG. 9A.) While the length AL' of the aperture 32 may be any length desired (as long as it accommodates the lower body 16 as described below), it preferably is in the range of about 10-100 inches, and more preferably within the range of about 35-85 inches, and most preferably is about 60-62 inches, depending on the length L' of the upper body 14 and the length of the lower body 16 without the flange 38 as described below. Similarly, the width AW' of the aperture 32 may be any width desired (as long as it accommodates the lower body 16 as described below), but it preferably is in the range of about 3-33 inches, and more preferably within the range of about 9-21 inches, and most preferably is about 15-18 inches, depending on the width W' of the upper body 14 and the width of the lower body 16 without the flange 38 as described below. The lower body component 16 preferably comprises a bottom wall 34, four side walls

36a-d, and a flange 38. (FIG. 5.) Preferably the bottom wall 34 has a generally flat rectangular shape having four edges, and the four side walls 36a-d respectively join to or are part of the bottom wall 34 along each of its four edges. The side walls 36a-d may be separate components that are attached to the bottom wall 34 by processes well known in the art, e.g., soldering, welding, gluing, etc., or, more preferably, may be manufactured as part of or integral to the bottom wall 34 by processes well known in the art, e.g., stamping, injection molding, etc. The lower body 16 may be manufactured from the same material as the lid 12 and/or upper body 14 and/or from a different material, but preferably from, for example, aluminum or stainless steel. The lower body 16 is preferably shaped to correspond to the aperture 32 of the upper body component 14, described above, and the lower body side walls 36a-d of are preferably oriented to form a rectangular shape, generally forming at least a portion of the walls of box 10. The lower body side walls 36a-d are preferably oriented to provide the lower body 16 with an upper edge 40 opposite the bottom wall 34. (FIGS.2 and 5.) The flange 38 is preferably located along or near the upper edge 40 of the side walls 36a- d (i.e., opposite the bottom wall 34) and preferably extends along at least a portion of the upper edge 40. (FIGS.2 and 5.) The flange 38 generally also extends outward from and perpendicular to the side walls 36a-d. (FIGS.2 and 5.) As explained in more detail below, the flange 38 of the lower body portion 16 should be shaped to correspond to and, preferably, engage the lip 24 of the upper body portion 14, when the box 10 is in its standard or expanded form. (FIG. 2.) As is also explained more fully below, the flange 38 preferably also includes connector holes 42 to facilitate connecting the lower body 16 to the upper body 14 and handles 43 to facilitate removing the lower body 16 from the box 10. (FIGS. 2, 5 and 6A-D.)

The lower body 16 preferably comprises a length L" (including the flange 38) and a length LBL" (excluding the flange 38), a width W" (including the flange) and a width LBW' ' (excluding the flange 38), and a depth D". (FIGS. lOA-C.) While the length L" qf the lower body 16, including the flange 38 of the lower body 16, may be any length desired, it should be sufficiently long so the flange 38 of the lower body 16 encounters the lip 24 of the upper body 14; and preferably is in the range of about 14-110 inches, and more preferably within the range of about 35-85 inches, and most preferably is in the range of about 62-63 inches. Similarly, the width W" of the lower body 16, including the flange 38 of the lower body 16, may be any width desired, it should be sufficiently wide so the flange 38 of the lower body 16 encounters the lip 24 of the upper body 14; and preferably is in the range of about 4-34 inches, and more preferably within the range of about 10-22 inches, and most preferably is about 18-19.5 inches. Similarly, the depth D" of the lower body 16 may be any depth desired, but it preferably is in the range of about 3-15 inches, and more preferably within the range of about 6-12 inches, and most preferably is about 7-7.5 inches.

As is mentioned above, the lower body 16 preferably comprises a length LBL" excluding the flange 38, and a width LBW" excluding the flange 38. (FIGS. lOB-C.) While the length LBL" of the lower body 16 may be any length desired, it should be shorter than the above- described length AL' of the aperture 32 of the upper body 14, since the lower body 16 must fit through the aperture 32. The length LBL" is preferably in the range of about 9.5-00.5 inches, and more preferably within the range of about 34.5-84.5 inches, and most preferably is about 60- 62 inches, depending on the length AL' of the aperture 32. Similarly, the width LBW" of the lower body 16 excluding the flange 38 may be any width desired, it should be narrower than the above-described width AW' of the aperture 32 of the upper body 14, since the lower body 16 must fit through the aperture 32. The width LBW" is preferably in the range of about 2.5-32.5 inches, and more preferably within the range of about 8.5-20.5 inches, and most preferably is about 16-18 inches, depending on the width AW' of the aperture 32.

As is mentioned above, the box 10 of the present invention may be converted from a condensed or storage/shipping form (FIG. 6C) to a standard or expanded form (FIG. 6D). Generally, a preferred method of assembly commences with the upper body component 14 resting on its bottom edge 28 on a work surface (FIG. 6A.); then the lower body component 16 is nested with the upper body portion 14, preferably with the bottom wall 34 leading the way (FIGS. 6A and 6B). It is further preferred that the bottom wall 34 of the lower body 16 align with the aperture 32 of the upper body 14 as defined by the lip 24. (FIG. 6C.) The bottom wall 34 may even rest on the work surface exposed through the aperture 32, if any. While resting on the work surface the lower body 16 is surrounded on four sides (i.e., corresponding to sides 36a- d) by the sides walls 22a-d of the upper body 14. While the upper body 14 and lower body 16 are in this nested state, the box 10 is in a condensed form (FIG. 6C) which is convenient for storing and/or shipping the box 10.

To continue construction of the box 10 from its nested or condensed form (e.g., FIG. 6C) to it's expanded or standard form (e.g., FIG. 6D), the upper body 14 is lifted from it's resting position allowing the lower body 16 to fall through the aperture 32 as defined by lip 24. The upper body 14 is further lifted while the lower body 16 continues to fall through the aperture 32 until the flange 38 of the lower body 16 engages the lip 24 of the upper body 14. When the flange 38 encounters the Up 24 (and vice versa) the further descent of the lower body 16 through the aperture 32 is prevented. Upon the flange 38 and Up 24 engaging one another, they may be secured in their position through the use of screws, bolts, or by any other means well known in the art. Indeed connector holes 42 may be provided in the flange 38 and connector holes 33 may be provided in the lip 24 to faciUtate securing the same together. (FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 6A-D.)

As is mentioned above, the upper body 14 may include connector holes 35 to enable connecting the upper body 14 to, e.g., a truck bed. In this regard, the upper body 14 may be sized to allow the upper body 14 to rest on the side rail portions of a truck bed and may be attached thereto by methods well known in the art. For example, the upper body 14 may be attached to the truck bed via bolts through the side rails and the connector holes 35, or via J- hooks that hook under the side rails and extend through and bolt to the upper body 14 via the connector holes 35. In such cases, assembly of the box 10 may commence with the upper body component 14 resting on its bottom edge 28 on the truck bed rails (FIG. 6A.); then the lower body component 16 is nested with the upper body portion 14, preferably with the bottom wall 34 leading the way (FIGS. 6A and 6B). It is further preferred that the bottom wall 34 of the lower body 16 align with the aperture 32 of the upper body 14 as defined by the Up 24. (FIG. 6C.) The lower body 16 proceeds through the aperture 32 as denned by lip 24 until the flange 38 of the lower body 16 engages the lip 24 of the upper body 14. When the flange 38 encounters the lip 24 (and vice versa) the further descent of the lower body 16 through the aperture 32 is prevented. As is mentioned above, upon the flange 38 and lip 24 engaging one another, they may be secured in their position through the use of screws, bolts, or by any other means weU known in the art.

As is also mentioned above, the lower body 16 may be removed from the box 10 to carry the contents of the box 10 to location apart from the box 10 (e.g., to a job site, to a more secure location for more secure storage, and/or to a location separate from the truck bed to free the space occupied by the lower body 16). As is also mentioned above, providing handles 43 on the lower body 16 would faciUtate such removal and, indeed, would faciUtate assembly of the box 10. Further, a separate lid (not shown, but well known in the art) could be provided for use on the lower body portion 16 either when it is separate from the box 10 or not.

An alternative embodiment of the box 10 or 10' further includes a spacer element 44. (FIG.7.) The spacer 44 preferably includes four side walls 46a-d, a top ledge 48, and a bottom ledge 50. (FIG. 7.) The spacer 44 fits between the Up 24 of the upper body portion 14 and the flange 38 of the lower body portion 16; therefore, the four side walls 46a-d of the spacer 44 are preferably oriented to form a rectangular shape (or shape that corresponds to the shape of the upper body portion 14 as viewed from the bottom, and to the shape of the lower body portion 16 as viewed from the top). The spacer side waUs 46a-d are preferably oriented to provide the spacer 44 with a top edge 47 and a bottom edge 49. (FIG. 7.) The top edge 47 of the spacer 44 preferably includes a ledge 48 preferably extending perpendicular to and outward from the side walls 46a-d, and the bottom edge 49 preferably also includes a ledge 50 preferably extending perpendicular to and outward from the side walls 46a-d. The top and bottom ledges 48 and 50 of the spacer 44 are preferably identical, but may be provided in different shapes if desired. The top and bottom ledges 48 and 50 preferably include connector holes 52 to facilitate connecting the spacer 44 to the Up 24 of the upper body portion 14 and the flange 38 of the lower body portion 16. The connector holes 52 of the spacer 44 preferably correspond to the connector holes 33 of the lip 24 and the connector holes 42 of the flange 38.

As is mentioned above, the spacer element 44 fits between the Up 24 of the upper body portion 14 and the flange 38 of the lower body portion 16. The purpose of using the spacer element 44 is to limit the distance the lower body portion 16 descends into the upper body portion 14, thereby limiting the depth of the resultant box 10.

The spacer element 44 preferably comprises a length SL, a width S W, and a depth SD. (FIGS. 11 A-C.) While the length SL of the spacer 44 may be any length desired, it should be sufficiently long so the spacer ledges 48 and 50 encounter the flange 38 of the lower body 16 and the lip 24 of the upper body 14, respectively. The length SL of the spacer 44 is preferably in the range of about 14-110 inches, and more preferably within the range of about 35-85 inches, and most preferably is in the range of about 62-63 inches. Similarly, the width SW of the spacer 44 may be any width desired, it should be sufficiently wide so the spacer ledges 48 and 50 encounter the flange 38 of the lower body 16 and the Up 24 of the upper body 14, respectively. The width SW of the spacer 44 is preferably in the range of about 4-34 inches, and more preferably within the range of about 10-22 inches, and most preferably is about 18-19.5 inches.^' Similarly, the depth SD of the spacer 44 may be any depth desired, but it preferably is in the range of about 0.5-12 inches, and more preferably within the range of about 2-8 inches, and most preferably is about 3-4 inches.

Generally, a preferred method of assembling the box 10 and including at least one spacer 44 commences with the upper body component 14 resting on its bottom edge 28 on a work surface or truck bed rails (FIG. 6A.); then the spacer 44 is placed such that one of it's ledges 48 or 50 rests along the lip 24 of the upper body 14. The spacer 44 and upper body 14 may then be secured together through the use of screws, bolts, or by any other means well known in the art, utilizing the connector holes 33 and 52 to faciUtate securing the same together. Indeed, more than one spacer 44 may be stacked to achieve the height desired. Once the spacer(s) 44 is/are in place, the lower body portion 16 is then nested into the spacer 44 and the upper body portion 14 assembly. The process continues as is described above, except when the lower body 16 descends through the aperture 32 as defined by Up 24, its descent is limited once the flange 38 of the lower body 16 engages the ledge 48 or 50 of the spacer 44. When the flange 38 encounters the ledge 48 or 50 (and vice versa) the further descent of the lower body 16 through the aperture 32 is prevented. Upon the flange 38 and ledge 48 or 50 engaging one another, they may be secured in their position through the use of screws, bolts, or by any other means well known in the art, utilizing the connector holes 42 and 52 to facilitate securing the same together.

Gaskets, as are well known in the art, may be provided between parts during assembly to further weather-proof the resultant box 10.

While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, and all such modifications and equivalents are intended to be covered, and are limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A box for a bed of a truck, said box comprising: a first container element and a second container element securable to said first container element, said first container element comprising a top body section and Ud of said box, and said second container element comprising a base body section of said box and being configured for receipt within a central cavity of said top body section of said first container element when said box is in a disassembled state.

2. The box of claim 1, wherein said top body section and said base body section are configured to engage one another in an assembled state, said box further comprising a spacer capable of separating said first container element from said base body section of said second container element.

3. The box of claim 2, wherein said first container element has an inwardly protruding lip provided along at least a portion of said central cavity, and said second container element has an outwardly protruding flange provided along at least a portion of a top perimeter surface thereof, and said spacer is capable of separating said Up of said first container element from said flange of said second container element.

4. The box of claim 1, wherein said Ud is hingedly attached to said-top body section,

>

5. A method of packaging a box for a bed of a truck in a disassembled state, said method comprising: providing a first container element comprising a top body section and Ud of said box, providing a second container element comprising a base body section of said box, and nesting said second container element of said box at least partially within a central cavity of said first container element of said box.

6. A method for adjusting size of a box for a bed of a truck, said method comprising: providing a first container element comprising a top body section and Ud of said box, providing a second container element comprising a base body section of said box, nesting said second container element of said box at least partially within a central cavity of said first container element of said box, using a spacer to separate said first container element from said base of said second container element.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: providing an additional a spacer to further separate said first container element from said base of said second container element.