Ballast system for use in a cargo bed of a vehicle
US7264273B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 19, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 4, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2013/016
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A ballast system for use in a cargo bed of a vehicle, such as a pick-up truck, provides generally even weight distribution over rear or powered wheels of the vehicle. The ballast system provides additional weight to the cargo bed of the vehicle, thereby improving stability, handling, and rear wheel traction, especially during inclement weather, such as in snow or rain. The ballast system may be rolled-up into a compact roll during non-use for convenient storage. The ballast system has a plurality of weighted cross-members laminated, attached, or bonded between two generally pliable mats. The cross-members are, preferably, equally spaced apart from each other along widths of the mats and transverse to a longitudinal direction of the cargo bed of the vehicle. The ballast system is readily rolled-up into a compact roll for convenient storage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.