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Truck Trunk Storage Unit |
Category: Transportation |
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Gavin Wolchina
Calgary, AB CA
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Entered: 08/25/2007
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Pick up truck owners know that transporting tools and smaller items like bags of groceries can be a little inconvenient. The interior space of the cab does not lend itself well to the task and the bed is exposed to the elements. Traditional storage chests can be difficult to access and items regularly get lost in the unreachable center areas.
The Truck Trunk is a lockable and movable storage chest that is mounted to the truck bed on rails. It can be positioned securely at any point in the truck bed but is normally all the way forward (immediately behind the cab) out of the way. Right on the top at either side is a 2 way lever that is spring loaded to rest in the middle. Sliding the lever either forward or backwards releases the locking mechanism and allows the Truck Trunk to slide freely along the tracks with ease in the direction of the lever pull. Releasing the handle immediately engages the locking mechanism. There is a secondary inertial locking mechanism that prevents the Truck Trunk from moving on its own or under severe braking conditions.
Lowering the lift gate on the truck and positioning the truck trunk at the rear of the bed allows for easy access without having to climb into the truck bed. The Truck Trunk itself has a locking door for security. The Truck Trunk is sealed against the elements so that items placed inside remain dry and clean. The inner dimensions of the trunk are 18 inches by 23 inches by 49 inches. Several different sizes could be made available depending upon customer requirements.
The Truck Trunk is manufactured from aluminum diamond plate and welded at the seams. The lid is lifted VIA hydraulic cylinders similar to the ones found on minivan rear hatches.
The upper release levers are recessed for security and drainage is provided for the pockets.
The bed mounted guide rails are durable enough to allow for regular pick-up use without damage. The Truck Trunk is secured to the rails via a locking roller system; it cannot be lifted off of the rails. The Truck Trunk can be removed from the bed by releasing a positive stop at the end of the rails and sliding it all the way rearward off of rails and onto the trucks lift gate. Removing the Truck Trunk from the lift gats is usually a two person job and should only be performed with the Truck Trunk empty.
Most quality truck tool boxes are priced in the $500 and up range. This item can easily be priced within this range to remain competitive. The majority of users tend to have an empty truck bed most of the time so access in the current configuration is not a problem. One design option is to include a two part hinged lid and remote door latch release so that if there are items in the truck bed the Truck Trunk is still accessible.
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Meet the Entrant, Gavin Wolchina
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Contact Email: gwolchina@hotmail.com |
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Profession: innovator / inventor |
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Video Demos: http://www.livevideo.com/gwcm... |
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Number of times entering contest previously: 0
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Design Tools:
Physical models
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Software used:
SolidWorks
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Gavin's favorite design tool:
Solidworks allows for fast model building without the mess.
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Gavin's hobbies and activities:
I work 24/7 but occasionally enjoy walking the dog or watching online videos.
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What role does Gavin believe product design plays in creating a better future?
Product design is the key to our future as consumers. With our access to technology there is no excuse for bad design. Choices should allow us as consumers to eliminate products that do not meet our high standards. A well designed product illustrates the designer’s state of being and good designs make us feel good.
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