As used herein, the term “Coupler” refers to one or more components, members, interfaces, mechanisms, material regions, assemblies, structures, and/or combinations thereof configured to connect, join, secure, attach, engage, retain, associate, or otherwise couple one component or structure to another component, structure, position, and/or reference. A coupler may provide direct or indirect coupling and may include one or more intervening components or structures. A coupler may be separate, integral, unitary, distributed, permanent, releasable, selectively engageable, adjustable, movable, rigid, flexible, resilient, and/or otherwise configured and need not be physically distinct from either coupled structure. A coupler may provide mechanical, frictional, interlocking, magnetic, adhesive, welded, bonded, fastened, clamped, and/or other coupling. A coupler may include one or more clamps, brackets, fasteners, hooks, catches, latches, pins, bolts, screws, straps, receivers, engagement members, connectors, interlocking structures, mounting interfaces, and/or other coupling structures. In certain embodiments, a coupler may secure a cover support structure, cargo platform support structure, side support structure, and/or another component to a vehicle or cargo area. A coupler may mechanically, magnetically, frictionally, adhesively, and/or otherwise engage an existing cargo-area structure or mounting feature and may permit installation without forming an additional hole in, removing material from, permanently deforming, and/or otherwise permanently modifying an existing structure of the vehicle. … more As used herein, the term “Coupler” refers to one or more components, members, interfaces, mechanisms, material regions, assemblies, structures, and/or combinations thereof configured to connect, join, secure, attach, engage, retain, associate, or otherwise couple one component or structure to another component, structure, position, and/or reference. A coupler may provide direct or indirect coupling and may include one or more intervening components or structures. A coupler may be separate, integral, unitary, distributed, permanent, releasable, selectively engageable, adjustable, movable, rigid, flexible, resilient, and/or otherwise configured and need not be physically distinct from either coupled structure. A coupler may provide mechanical, frictional, interlocking, magnetic, adhesive, welded, bonded, fastened, clamped, and/or other coupling. A coupler may include one or more clamps, brackets, fasteners, hooks, catches, latches, pins, bolts, screws, straps, receivers, engagement members, connectors, interlocking structures, mounting interfaces, and/or other coupling structures. In certain embodiments, a coupler may secure a cover support structure, cargo platform support structure, side support structure, and/or another component to a vehicle or cargo area. A coupler may mechanically, magnetically, frictionally, adhesively, and/or otherwise engage an existing cargo-area structure or mounting feature and may permit installation without forming an additional hole in, removing material from, permanently deforming, and/or otherwise permanently modifying an existing structure of the vehicle.

As used herein, the term “Trolley” refers to one or more components, members, interfaces, supports, assemblies, structures, or combinations thereof configured to move, translate, travel, or otherwise be repositioned relative to another component, structure, region, path, or reference. A trolley may be defined physically, geometrically, or functionally and need not include wheels, rollers, bearings, a track, or any particular type of rolling, sliding, or guiding element. A trolley may operate with, on, in, along, adjacent to, or relative to one or more tracks, rails, channels, guides, support structures, sliding interfaces, rollers, bearings, wheels, casters, glide members, low-friction interfaces, or other structures, but need not engage or operate with a track. A trolley may be supported, guided, retained, constrained, carried, suspended, or otherwise associated with another structure during movement. A trolley may be movable manually, through powered or assisted operation, automatically, or through combinations thereof and may move along a straight, curved, angled, segmented, irregular, compound, guided, or unguided path. In certain embodiments, a trolley may form part of a translation assembly and may support, carry, be coupled to, be integrated with, or form at least part of a cargo platform movable relative to a vehicle or cargo area. … more As used herein, the term “Trolley” refers to one or more components, members, interfaces, supports, assemblies, structures, or combinations thereof configured to move, translate, travel, or otherwise be repositioned relative to another component, structure, region, path, or reference. A trolley may be defined physically, geometrically, or functionally and need not include wheels, rollers, bearings, a track, or any particular type of rolling, sliding, or guiding element. A trolley may operate with, on, in, along, adjacent to, or relative to one or more tracks, rails, channels, guides, support structures, sliding interfaces, rollers, bearings, wheels, casters, glide members, low-friction interfaces, or other structures, but need not engage or operate with a track. A trolley may be supported, guided, retained, constrained, carried, suspended, or otherwise associated with another structure during movement. A trolley may be movable manually, through powered or assisted operation, automatically, or through combinations thereof and may move along a straight, curved, angled, segmented, irregular, compound, guided, or unguided path. In certain embodiments, a trolley may form part of a translation assembly and may support, carry, be coupled to, be integrated with, or form at least part of a cargo platform movable relative to a vehicle or cargo area.

“Fastener,” “Fixation Device,” or “Fastener System” refers to any structure, component, member, device, assembly, and/or combination thereof configured, designed, arranged, and/or engineered to connect, join, secure, retain, attach, and/or couple two or more structures. Fasteners may be made of metal, plastic, composite materials, metal alloys, plastic composites, elastomeric materials, and/or other suitable materials. Examples of fasteners include, but are not limited to, screws, bolts, nuts, threaded members, studs, rivets, pins, posts, clips, clamps, brackets, anchors, latches, hooks, snaps, hook-and-loop structures, buckles, straps, tie-downs, retainers, locking members, interference-fit structures, snap-fit structures, and/or similar fastening structures. In certain embodiments, the term fastener may refer to a fastener system that includes two or more structures configured to cooperate to perform a fastening function. For example, a fastener system may include a rod or shaft having external threads and an opening, bore, nut, insert, and/or other structure having corresponding internal threads configured to engage the external threads of the rod or shaft. In certain embodiments, a fastener system may include first and second members configured to releasably engage one another. In certain embodiments, a retainer is a type of fastener configured to retain one or more structures in a selected position, orientation, configuration, and/or relationship. A retainer may releasably and/or permanently retain the one or more structures. In certain embodiments, the term fastener may be used with an adjective identifying an object, material, location, or structure that the fastener is particularly configured, designed, arranged, and/or engineered to engage, connect, join, secure, retain, attach, and/or couple. For example, a vehicle fastener may refer to a fastener configured to engage a vehicle structure, and a cargo-area fastener may refer to a fastener configured to engage a cargo-area structure. In certain embodiments, a fastener may be a temporary fastener configured to perform a fastening function for a limited period of time, until another operation or event occurs, and/or until the fastener is removed or disengaged. A temporary fastener may be removable or disengageable by a user and/or by interaction with another structure. … more “Fastener,” “Fixation Device,” or “Fastener System” refers to any structure, component, member, device, assembly, and/or combination thereof configured, designed, arranged, and/or engineered to connect, join, secure, retain, attach, and/or couple two or more structures. Fasteners may be made of metal, plastic, composite materials, metal alloys, plastic composites, elastomeric materials, and/or other suitable materials. Examples of fasteners include, but are not limited to, screws, bolts, nuts, threaded members, studs, rivets, pins, posts, clips, clamps, brackets, anchors, latches, hooks, snaps, hook-and-loop structures, buckles, straps, tie-downs, retainers, locking members, interference-fit structures, snap-fit structures, and/or similar fastening structures. In certain embodiments, the term fastener may refer to a fastener system that includes two or more structures configured to cooperate to perform a fastening function. For example, a fastener system may include a rod or shaft having external threads and an opening, bore, nut, insert, and/or other structure having corresponding internal threads configured to engage the external threads of the rod or shaft. In certain embodiments, a fastener system may include first and second members configured to releasably engage one another. In certain embodiments, a retainer is a type of fastener configured to retain one or more structures in a selected position, orientation, configuration, and/or relationship. A retainer may releasably and/or permanently retain the one or more structures. In certain embodiments, the term fastener may be used with an adjective identifying an object, material, location, or structure that the fastener is particularly configured, designed, arranged, and/or engineered to engage, connect, join, secure, retain, attach, and/or couple. For example, a vehicle fastener may refer to a fastener configured to engage a vehicle structure, and a cargo-area fastener may refer to a fastener configured to engage a cargo-area structure. In certain embodiments, a fastener may be a temporary fastener configured to perform a fastening function for a limited period of time, until another operation or event occurs, and/or until the fastener is removed or disengaged. A temporary fastener may be removable or disengageable by a user and/or by interaction with another structure.

As used herein, the term “Retainer” refers to one or more components, members, interfaces, mechanisms, assemblies, structures, and/or combinations thereof configured to hold, maintain, support, stabilize, secure, limit, resist movement of, or otherwise retain another component, structure, assembly, position, orientation, and/or relationship. A retainer may act directly or indirectly and may be fixed, movable, adjustable, releasable, selectively engageable, passive, active, rigid, flexible, resilient, and/or otherwise configured. A retainer need not prevent all movement, permanently secure the retained component, continuously engage the retained component, or bear the entire weight or load of the retained component. A retainer may include a brace, strut, latch, cable, strap, spring, gas spring, support arm, lock, stop, detent, catch, prop, linkage, tension member, compression member, frictional interface, magnetic element, and/or other retaining structure. In certain embodiments, a retainer is a type of fastener configured to retain one or more structures in a selected position, orientation, configuration, and/or relationship. In certain embodiments, a retainer may form part of a cargo platform support structure, cover support structure, side support structure, and/or other assembly and may releasably or selectively retain a cargo platform, cargo cover, cover section, cover panel, and/or another component in a cargo position, raised position, open position, closed position, side-stowed position, and/or another selected position. … more As used herein, the term “Retainer” refers to one or more components, members, interfaces, mechanisms, assemblies, structures, and/or combinations thereof configured to hold, maintain, support, stabilize, secure, limit, resist movement of, or otherwise retain another component, structure, assembly, position, orientation, and/or relationship. A retainer may act directly or indirectly and may be fixed, movable, adjustable, releasable, selectively engageable, passive, active, rigid, flexible, resilient, and/or otherwise configured. A retainer need not prevent all movement, permanently secure the retained component, continuously engage the retained component, or bear the entire weight or load of the retained component. A retainer may include a brace, strut, latch, cable, strap, spring, gas spring, support arm, lock, stop, detent, catch, prop, linkage, tension member, compression member, frictional interface, magnetic element, and/or other retaining structure. In certain embodiments, a retainer is a type of fastener configured to retain one or more structures in a selected position, orientation, configuration, and/or relationship. In certain embodiments, a retainer may form part of a cargo platform support structure, cover support structure, side support structure, and/or other assembly and may releasably or selectively retain a cargo platform, cargo cover, cover section, cover panel, and/or another component in a cargo position, raised position, open position, closed position, side-stowed position, and/or another selected position.

As used herein, the term "Unobstructed Access" refers to access to a cargo area, as defined herein, that is sufficiently free of interfering structures and/or components to permit passage, placement, viewing, or physical reach without interference from an intervening structure or component. Unobstructed access does not require the complete absence of every structure or obstruction and may coexist with localized, peripheral, overhead, underlying, movable, or noninterfering components. Unobstructed access may be complete, partial, localized, temporary, selective, and/or available from one or more directions or locations and may be evaluated relative to another position or configuration. In certain embodiments, moving a cargo cover, cover section, cover panel, cargo platform, translation assembly, or support structure may provide unobstructed access to at least a portion of a cargo area, cargo floor, cargo space, underlying region, and/or cargo positioned therein. … more As used herein, the term "Unobstructed Access" refers to access to a cargo area, as defined herein, that is sufficiently free of interfering structures and/or components to permit passage, placement, viewing, or physical reach without interference from an intervening structure or component. Unobstructed access does not require the complete absence of every structure or obstruction and may coexist with localized, peripheral, overhead, underlying, movable, or noninterfering components. Unobstructed access may be complete, partial, localized, temporary, selective, and/or available from one or more directions or locations and may be evaluated relative to another position or configuration. In certain embodiments, moving a cargo cover, cover section, cover panel, cargo platform, translation assembly, or support structure may provide unobstructed access to at least a portion of a cargo area, cargo floor, cargo space, underlying region, and/or cargo positioned therein.

As used herein, the term “Unobstructed Region” refers to a region, surface, space, path, opening, volume, and/or combination thereof that provides or supports unobstructed access, as defined herein, or that is otherwise sufficiently free of interfering structures and/or components to permit or facilitate passage, placement, viewing, physical reach, movement, loading, unloading, storage, servicing, and/or use. An unobstructed region does not require the complete absence of every structure or obstruction and may include localized, peripheral, overhead, underlying, movable, and/or noninterfering components or features that do not materially interfere with the unobstructed access provided or supported by the region. An unobstructed region may be completely, substantially, partially, locally, temporarily, selectively, and/or relatively unobstructed and may be evaluated relative to another position or configuration. In certain embodiments, an underlying region of a cargo area may become substantially unobstructed when a cargo platform and an associated portion of a translation assembly are moved from a cargo position to a raised and/or side-stowed position. … more As used herein, the term “Unobstructed Region” refers to a region, surface, space, path, opening, volume, and/or combination thereof that provides or supports unobstructed access, as defined herein, or that is otherwise sufficiently free of interfering structures and/or components to permit or facilitate passage, placement, viewing, physical reach, movement, loading, unloading, storage, servicing, and/or use. An unobstructed region does not require the complete absence of every structure or obstruction and may include localized, peripheral, overhead, underlying, movable, and/or noninterfering components or features that do not materially interfere with the unobstructed access provided or supported by the region. An unobstructed region may be completely, substantially, partially, locally, temporarily, selectively, and/or relatively unobstructed and may be evaluated relative to another position or configuration. In certain embodiments, an underlying region of a cargo area may become substantially unobstructed when a cargo platform and an associated portion of a translation assembly are moved from a cargo position to a raised and/or side-stowed position.

As used herein, the term “Floor” refers to one or more structures, surfaces, members, components, assemblies, or combinations thereof configured to define, form, or extend along at least part of a lower boundary, base, or supporting region of a space, area, structure, object, or combination thereof. A floor may be defined physically, geometrically, or functionally and need not be flat, planar, horizontal, level, continuous, solid, unitary, or the absolute lowermost portion of the associated space, area, structure, or object. A floor may include a unitary structure or one or more interconnected, adjacent, overlapping, or spatially separated members and may be fixed, movable, adjustable, removable, raised, lowered, recessed, suspended, or otherwise configured relative to another structure, region, support, or reference. A floor may be formed by, include, or be associated with one or more panels, platforms, decks, liners, frames, supporting surfaces, or other structures. A floor may directly or indirectly support, separate, retain, or provide a base for one or more objects, components, materials, persons, or loads. In certain embodiments, a floor may include a cargo floor associated with a vehicle or cargo area and may support cargo or other objects positioned on, above, adjacent to, or relative to the floor. … more As used herein, the term “Floor” refers to one or more structures, surfaces, members, components, assemblies, or combinations thereof configured to define, form, or extend along at least part of a lower boundary, base, or supporting region of a space, area, structure, object, or combination thereof. A floor may be defined physically, geometrically, or functionally and need not be flat, planar, horizontal, level, continuous, solid, unitary, or the absolute lowermost portion of the associated space, area, structure, or object. A floor may include a unitary structure or one or more interconnected, adjacent, overlapping, or spatially separated members and may be fixed, movable, adjustable, removable, raised, lowered, recessed, suspended, or otherwise configured relative to another structure, region, support, or reference. A floor may be formed by, include, or be associated with one or more panels, platforms, decks, liners, frames, supporting surfaces, or other structures. A floor may directly or indirectly support, separate, retain, or provide a base for one or more objects, components, materials, persons, or loads. In certain embodiments, a floor may include a cargo floor associated with a vehicle or cargo area and may support cargo or other objects positioned on, above, adjacent to, or relative to the floor.

As used herein, the term “Opposing Sides” refers to two or more sides, regions, portions, boundaries, edges, surfaces, faces, locations, or combinations thereof that are spaced apart, positioned across from one another, or otherwise opposed generally in a lateral direction, longitudinal direction, or another direction relative to an object, structure, space, area, assembly, or combination thereof. Opposing sides need not be parallel, planar, continuous, directly aligned, equally spaced, symmetric, or physically formed and may have corresponding or different shapes, dimensions, orientations, structures, or configurations. A region, space, component, or structure may extend partially or entirely between opposing sides. In certain embodiments, opposing sides of a vehicle or cargo area may include laterally spaced side regions associated with sidewalls, bed rails, body panels, frame members, boundary regions, or other lateral portions of the vehicle or cargo area. … more As used herein, the term “Opposing Sides” refers to two or more sides, regions, portions, boundaries, edges, surfaces, faces, locations, or combinations thereof that are spaced apart, positioned across from one another, or otherwise opposed generally in a lateral direction, longitudinal direction, or another direction relative to an object, structure, space, area, assembly, or combination thereof. Opposing sides need not be parallel, planar, continuous, directly aligned, equally spaced, symmetric, or physically formed and may have corresponding or different shapes, dimensions, orientations, structures, or configurations. A region, space, component, or structure may extend partially or entirely between opposing sides. In certain embodiments, opposing sides of a vehicle or cargo area may include laterally spaced side regions associated with sidewalls, bed rails, body panels, frame members, boundary regions, or other lateral portions of the vehicle or cargo area.

As used herein, the term “Laterally Outward” refers to a position, relationship, direction, orientation, displacement, or movement having at least a component extending generally outward in a lateral direction relative to an object, structure, space, area, component, centerline, axis, region, boundary, and/or other reference. Laterally outward may describe a static spatial relationship or movement and need not be purely lateral, horizontal, straight, perpendicular to a longitudinal direction, or directed away from a geometric center. A laterally outward relationship may include lateral, longitudinal, vertical, radial, rotational, pivoting, compound, and/or other directional or positional components. In certain embodiments, laterally outward may refer to a position or direction generally toward a side of a vehicle or cargo area and away from a longitudinally extending center region or another selected lateral reference. A cargo platform in a raised and/or side-stowed position may be positioned laterally outward of an inwardmost extent of a wheel well. … more As used herein, the term “Laterally Outward” refers to a position, relationship, direction, orientation, displacement, or movement having at least a component extending generally outward in a lateral direction relative to an object, structure, space, area, component, centerline, axis, region, boundary, and/or other reference. Laterally outward may describe a static spatial relationship or movement and need not be purely lateral, horizontal, straight, perpendicular to a longitudinal direction, or directed away from a geometric center. A laterally outward relationship may include lateral, longitudinal, vertical, radial, rotational, pivoting, compound, and/or other directional or positional components. In certain embodiments, laterally outward may refer to a position or direction generally toward a side of a vehicle or cargo area and away from a longitudinally extending center region or another selected lateral reference. A cargo platform in a raised and/or side-stowed position may be positioned laterally outward of an inwardmost extent of a wheel well.

As used herein, the term “Inwardmost Extent” refers to a point, surface, boundary, edge, line, region, projection, portion, and/or combination thereof representing a greatest or selected extent in an inward direction relative to an object, structure, space, area, component, centerline, axis, boundary, direction, orientation, and/or other reference. An inwardmost extent may be defined physically, geometrically, functionally, or based on a selected frame of reference and may be determined laterally, longitudinally, vertically, radially, angularly, and/or in another direction. An inwardmost extent need not be defined by a single point, line, planar surface, continuous structure, permanent feature, or uniquely identifiable location and may vary according to position, configuration, orientation, or the selected reference. In certain embodiments, an inwardmost extent of a wheel well may define a laterally inward boundary relative to which a cargo platform, cargo platform support structure, translation assembly, and/or another component may be positioned. … more As used herein, the term “Inwardmost Extent” refers to a point, surface, boundary, edge, line, region, projection, portion, and/or combination thereof representing a greatest or selected extent in an inward direction relative to an object, structure, space, area, component, centerline, axis, boundary, direction, orientation, and/or other reference. An inwardmost extent may be defined physically, geometrically, functionally, or based on a selected frame of reference and may be determined laterally, longitudinally, vertically, radially, angularly, and/or in another direction. An inwardmost extent need not be defined by a single point, line, planar surface, continuous structure, permanent feature, or uniquely identifiable location and may vary according to position, configuration, orientation, or the selected reference. In certain embodiments, an inwardmost extent of a wheel well may define a laterally inward boundary relative to which a cargo platform, cargo platform support structure, translation assembly, and/or another component may be positioned.

As used herein, the term “Independent Movement” refers to movement of one component, structure, assembly, and/or combination thereof that may occur, be initiated, be controlled, or be completed without requiring corresponding movement of another component, structure, assembly, and/or combination thereof. Independent movement does not require complete mechanical, structural, operational, or functional isolation and may include movement of components that share supports, guides, connections, controls, actuators, power sources, mounting structures, and/or other features. Independently movable components may move at different times, in different directions, through different distances or ranges, at different speeds, into different positions, and/or according to different movement paths or sequences. Independent movement does not preclude coordinated, simultaneous, synchronized, linked, assisted, and/or common movement when such operation is selected or permitted. In certain embodiments, a first cargo platform may move between its cargo position and raised position independently of movement of a second cargo platform between its respective cargo position and raised position. Similarly, a first cover section or cover panel may move independently of a second cover section or cover panel. … more As used herein, the term “Independent Movement” refers to movement of one component, structure, assembly, and/or combination thereof that may occur, be initiated, be controlled, or be completed without requiring corresponding movement of another component, structure, assembly, and/or combination thereof. Independent movement does not require complete mechanical, structural, operational, or functional isolation and may include movement of components that share supports, guides, connections, controls, actuators, power sources, mounting structures, and/or other features. Independently movable components may move at different times, in different directions, through different distances or ranges, at different speeds, into different positions, and/or according to different movement paths or sequences. Independent movement does not preclude coordinated, simultaneous, synchronized, linked, assisted, and/or common movement when such operation is selected or permitted. In certain embodiments, a first cargo platform may move between its cargo position and raised position independently of movement of a second cargo platform between its respective cargo position and raised position. Similarly, a first cover section or cover panel may move independently of a second cover section or cover panel.

As used herein, the term “Hole” refers to one or more openings, apertures, bores, passages, recesses, slots, perforations, cavities, voids, and/or combinations thereof extending partially or entirely into or through one or more materials, components, members, structures, regions, and/or combinations thereof. A hole may be defined physically, geometrically, or functionally and need not extend completely through a structure, remain open or unoccupied, have a circular cross-section, follow a straight path, or have a uniform size or shape. A hole may have any suitable size, depth, orientation, cross-sectional configuration, and/or other geometry and may be open, closed, blind, through-going, threaded, unthreaded, lined, reinforced, occupied, covered, and/or otherwise configured. A hole may be preexisting or may be formed, modified, or enlarged by drilling, punching, cutting, molding, casting, machining, fastening, deforming, removing material, and/or another process. In certain embodiments, a hole may be an existing feature of a vehicle or cargo area or may be formed to receive, position, retain, secure, or provide passage for a coupler, fastener, mounting structure, and/or another component. … more As used herein, the term “Hole” refers to one or more openings, apertures, bores, passages, recesses, slots, perforations, cavities, voids, and/or combinations thereof extending partially or entirely into or through one or more materials, components, members, structures, regions, and/or combinations thereof. A hole may be defined physically, geometrically, or functionally and need not extend completely through a structure, remain open or unoccupied, have a circular cross-section, follow a straight path, or have a uniform size or shape. A hole may have any suitable size, depth, orientation, cross-sectional configuration, and/or other geometry and may be open, closed, blind, through-going, threaded, unthreaded, lined, reinforced, occupied, covered, and/or otherwise configured. A hole may be preexisting or may be formed, modified, or enlarged by drilling, punching, cutting, molding, casting, machining, fastening, deforming, removing material, and/or another process. In certain embodiments, a hole may be an existing feature of a vehicle or cargo area or may be formed to receive, position, retain, secure, or provide passage for a coupler, fastener, mounting structure, and/or another component.

As used herein, the term “Hinge” refers to a pivot connection, or one or more components, members, interfaces, joints, material regions, assemblies, structures, and/or combinations thereof forming at least part of a pivot connection, configured to connect or associate two or more portions, components, or structures while permitting rotational, angular, folding, articulating, and/or other pivoting movement therebetween. A hinge may be direct or indirect, discrete or integral, rigid or flexible, permanent or releasable, and need not include a pin, barrel, knuckle, fixed axis, or separately manufactured component. A hinge may include a pin hinge, barrel hinge, continuous or piano hinge, living hinge, flexible hinge, concealed hinge, linkage hinge, bearing-supported hinge, articulated joint, and/or other pivoting interface. In certain embodiments, a hinge may couple adjacent cover panels or cover sections, couple a cargo platform to a cargo platform support structure, and/or facilitate movement of a cargo platform between a cargo position and a raised position. In certain embodiments, a hinge may include one or more pins, knuckles, leaves, bearings, flexible regions, linkages, and/or other hinge components. A pin-and-knuckle hinge may include one or more knuckles associated with respective leaves and aligned to receive a pin, thereby permitting relative rotation of the leaves. … more As used herein, the term “Hinge” refers to a pivot connection, or one or more components, members, interfaces, joints, material regions, assemblies, structures, and/or combinations thereof forming at least part of a pivot connection, configured to connect or associate two or more portions, components, or structures while permitting rotational, angular, folding, articulating, and/or other pivoting movement therebetween. A hinge may be direct or indirect, discrete or integral, rigid or flexible, permanent or releasable, and need not include a pin, barrel, knuckle, fixed axis, or separately manufactured component. A hinge may include a pin hinge, barrel hinge, continuous or piano hinge, living hinge, flexible hinge, concealed hinge, linkage hinge, bearing-supported hinge, articulated joint, and/or other pivoting interface. In certain embodiments, a hinge may couple adjacent cover panels or cover sections, couple a cargo platform to a cargo platform support structure, and/or facilitate movement of a cargo platform between a cargo position and a raised position. In certain embodiments, a hinge may include one or more pins, knuckles, leaves, bearings, flexible regions, linkages, and/or other hinge components. A pin-and-knuckle hinge may include one or more knuckles associated with respective leaves and aligned to receive a pin, thereby permitting relative rotation of the leaves.

As used herein, the term “Front” refers to a region, end, boundary, portion, surface, side, location, or direction designated or understood as being forward, leading, first, foremost, or otherwise positioned relative to a corresponding rear or another reference associated with an object, structure, space, area, assembly, or combination thereof. A front may be defined physically, geometrically, functionally, or relative to another region, end, boundary, direction, orientation, object, intended use, direction of movement, or frame of reference. A front need not be straight, planar, closed, continuous, or formed by a physical wall or boundary and need not correspond to an ordinary direction of movement. In certain embodiments, a front of a truck bed may be defined by or associated with a front wall, bulkhead, cab-adjacent region, frame member, boundary region, open region, or another structure or reference location. The front may be spaced from a rear in a longitudinal direction. … more As used herein, the term “Front” refers to a region, end, boundary, portion, surface, side, location, or direction designated or understood as being forward, leading, first, foremost, or otherwise positioned relative to a corresponding rear or another reference associated with an object, structure, space, area, assembly, or combination thereof. A front may be defined physically, geometrically, functionally, or relative to another region, end, boundary, direction, orientation, object, intended use, direction of movement, or frame of reference. A front need not be straight, planar, closed, continuous, or formed by a physical wall or boundary and need not correspond to an ordinary direction of movement. In certain embodiments, a front of a truck bed may be defined by or associated with a front wall, bulkhead, cab-adjacent region, frame member, boundary region, open region, or another structure or reference location. The front may be spaced from a rear in a longitudinal direction.

As used herein, the term “Existing Cargo-Area Structure” refers to one or more structures, components, members, interfaces, features, surfaces, openings, regions, and/or combinations thereof that are present in, on, adjacent to, or otherwise associated with a cargo area before or independently of installation of an apparatus or component described herein. An existing cargo-area structure may be original equipment, factory-installed, previously installed, subsequently added, integral, removable, fixed, movable, modified, unmodified, and/or otherwise associated with the cargo area and need not have been originally intended for use with the subsequently installed apparatus or component. An existing cargo-area structure may include a bed rail, stake pocket, tie-down location, factory attachment point, sidewall, cargo floor, frame member, channel, opening, hole, recess, projection, fastener location, mounting feature, and/or another existing structure or feature. In certain embodiments, a coupler may engage an existing cargo-area structure to support or secure a cover support structure, cargo platform support structure, side support structure, cargo cover, cargo platform, and/or another component to a vehicle. Engagement with the existing cargo-area structure may permit installation without forming an additional hole in the vehicle. … more As used herein, the term “Existing Cargo-Area Structure” refers to one or more structures, components, members, interfaces, features, surfaces, openings, regions, and/or combinations thereof that are present in, on, adjacent to, or otherwise associated with a cargo area before or independently of installation of an apparatus or component described herein. An existing cargo-area structure may be original equipment, factory-installed, previously installed, subsequently added, integral, removable, fixed, movable, modified, unmodified, and/or otherwise associated with the cargo area and need not have been originally intended for use with the subsequently installed apparatus or component. An existing cargo-area structure may include a bed rail, stake pocket, tie-down location, factory attachment point, sidewall, cargo floor, frame member, channel, opening, hole, recess, projection, fastener location, mounting feature, and/or another existing structure or feature. In certain embodiments, a coupler may engage an existing cargo-area structure to support or secure a cover support structure, cargo platform support structure, side support structure, cargo cover, cargo platform, and/or another component to a vehicle. Engagement with the existing cargo-area structure may permit installation without forming an additional hole in the vehicle.

As used herein, the term "Cargo Platform Support Structure" refers to one or more components, members, interfaces, supports, assemblies, structures, or combinations thereof configured to directly or indirectly support, position, retain, guide, couple, constrain, carry, or facilitate movement of one or more cargo platforms. A cargo platform support structure may be defined physically, geometrically, or functionally. A cargo platform support structure may include a single component or a plurality of interconnected, cooperating, adjacent, or spatially separated components and need not be physically separate from the cargo platform, continuously engage the cargo platform, or bear the entire weight of the cargo platform or cargo. A cargo platform support structure may be fixed, movable, adjustable, foldable, articulated, extendable, retractable, or otherwise configured and may include frames, brackets, arms, links, pivot connections, hinges, rails, tracks, channels, guides, rollers, bearings, wheels, casters, supports, retainers, mounting members, translation assemblies, or other structures. In certain embodiments, a cargo platform support structure may support or guide a cargo platform relative to a vehicle or cargo area and may permit the cargo platform to occupy or move between a cargo position, raised position, retracted position, extended position, side-stowed position, or another position. … more As used herein, the term "Cargo Platform Support Structure" refers to one or more components, members, interfaces, supports, assemblies, structures, or combinations thereof configured to directly or indirectly support, position, retain, guide, couple, constrain, carry, or facilitate movement of one or more cargo platforms. A cargo platform support structure may be defined physically, geometrically, or functionally. A cargo platform support structure may include a single component or a plurality of interconnected, cooperating, adjacent, or spatially separated components and need not be physically separate from the cargo platform, continuously engage the cargo platform, or bear the entire weight of the cargo platform or cargo. A cargo platform support structure may be fixed, movable, adjustable, foldable, articulated, extendable, retractable, or otherwise configured and may include frames, brackets, arms, links, pivot connections, hinges, rails, tracks, channels, guides, rollers, bearings, wheels, casters, supports, retainers, mounting members, translation assemblies, or other structures. In certain embodiments, a cargo platform support structure may support or guide a cargo platform relative to a vehicle or cargo area and may permit the cargo platform to occupy or move between a cargo position, raised position, retracted position, extended position, side-stowed position, or another position.

As used herein, the term "Access to a Cargo Area" refers to an ability or opportunity to reach, enter, view, load, unload, use, service, or otherwise interact with at least a portion of a cargo area or cargo located therein. Access to a cargo area may be defined physically, geometrically, or functionally, and need not be unobstructed, require a particular direction of approach, or require a particular means of access. Access to a cargo area may be provided from above, below, a side, a front, a rear, or another region and may be complete, partial, localized, temporary, or selectively available. In certain embodiments, access may be increased or provided by moving, folding, raising, translating, retracting, side-stowing, or otherwise repositioning one or more of a cargo cover, cover section, cover panel, cargo platform, support structure, or another component. … more As used herein, the term "Access to a Cargo Area" refers to an ability or opportunity to reach, enter, view, load, unload, use, service, or otherwise interact with at least a portion of a cargo area or cargo located therein. Access to a cargo area may be defined physically, geometrically, or functionally, and need not be unobstructed, require a particular direction of approach, or require a particular means of access. Access to a cargo area may be provided from above, below, a side, a front, a rear, or another region and may be complete, partial, localized, temporary, or selectively available. In certain embodiments, access may be increased or provided by moving, folding, raising, translating, retracting, side-stowing, or otherwise repositioning one or more of a cargo cover, cover section, cover panel, cargo platform, support structure, or another component.

As used herein, the term “Wheel Well” refers to one or more structures, enclosures, housings, recesses, projections, openings, spaces, regions, and/or combinations thereof configured to receive, accommodate, surround, overlie, border, or provide clearance for at least a portion of a wheel, tire, suspension component, wheel-supporting structure, and/or associated component. A wheel well may be defined physically, geometrically, or functionally and need not fully enclose a wheel, have a curved shape, be formed by a continuous physical wall, or remain stationary relative to the wheel. A wheel well may extend inward, outward, upward, downward, longitudinally, laterally, and/or in another direction relative to an associated structure or reference and may have a regular, irregular, symmetric, asymmetric, open, closed, partial, and/or other configuration. In certain embodiments, a wheel well may project into or otherwise occupy a portion of a vehicle cargo area, interrupt or reduce an available cargo-floor width, and define an inwardmost extent relative to which a cargo platform or other component may be positioned. … more As used herein, the term “Wheel Well” refers to one or more structures, enclosures, housings, recesses, projections, openings, spaces, regions, and/or combinations thereof configured to receive, accommodate, surround, overlie, border, or provide clearance for at least a portion of a wheel, tire, suspension component, wheel-supporting structure, and/or associated component. A wheel well may be defined physically, geometrically, or functionally and need not fully enclose a wheel, have a curved shape, be formed by a continuous physical wall, or remain stationary relative to the wheel. A wheel well may extend inward, outward, upward, downward, longitudinally, laterally, and/or in another direction relative to an associated structure or reference and may have a regular, irregular, symmetric, asymmetric, open, closed, partial, and/or other configuration. In certain embodiments, a wheel well may project into or otherwise occupy a portion of a vehicle cargo area, interrupt or reduce an available cargo-floor width, and define an inwardmost extent relative to which a cargo platform or other component may be positioned.

As used herein, the term “Vertical Direction” refers to a direction extending generally transverse to or across both a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction of an object, structure, space, area, assembly, or combination thereof. A vertical direction may be defined physically, geometrically, functionally, or relative to another direction, feature, object, orientation, axis, supporting surface, or frame of reference and need not be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction or lateral direction, correspond to the direction of gravity or a height dimension, or follow a straight line. A vertical direction may follow a straight, curved, angled, segmented, irregular, compound, or other path and may be used to describe movement, spacing, alignment, positioning, extension, or orientation of one or more components or structures. Movement in a vertical direction may occur alone or in combination with longitudinal, lateral, rotational, folding, pivoting, or other movement. In certain embodiments, a vertical direction of a truck bed may extend generally between a floor of the truck bed and an upper edge of a sidewall of the truck bed. In other embodiments, a vertical direction of a storage rack or shelving assembly may extend generally between a base and an upper portion of the assembly. … more As used herein, the term “Vertical Direction” refers to a direction extending generally transverse to or across both a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction of an object, structure, space, area, assembly, or combination thereof. A vertical direction may be defined physically, geometrically, functionally, or relative to another direction, feature, object, orientation, axis, supporting surface, or frame of reference and need not be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction or lateral direction, correspond to the direction of gravity or a height dimension, or follow a straight line. A vertical direction may follow a straight, curved, angled, segmented, irregular, compound, or other path and may be used to describe movement, spacing, alignment, positioning, extension, or orientation of one or more components or structures. Movement in a vertical direction may occur alone or in combination with longitudinal, lateral, rotational, folding, pivoting, or other movement. In certain embodiments, a vertical direction of a truck bed may extend generally between a floor of the truck bed and an upper edge of a sidewall of the truck bed. In other embodiments, a vertical direction of a storage rack or shelving assembly may extend generally between a base and an upper portion of the assembly.

As used herein, the term “Longitudinal Movement” refers to movement having at least a component extending generally in a longitudinal direction relative to an object, structure, space, area, assembly, orientation, axis, and/or other reference. Longitudinal movement need not occur exclusively in a longitudinal direction, follow a straight path, remain parallel to a longitudinal axis, maintain a constant orientation, or extend through an entire available range of movement. Longitudinal movement may follow a straight, curved, angled, segmented, irregular, guided, unguided, compound, and/or other path and may occur alone or in combination with lateral, vertical, rotational, pivoting, folding, and/or other movement. Longitudinal movement may be continuous, intermittent, incremental, reversible, manual, powered, assisted, automatic, and/or otherwise produced or controlled. In certain embodiments, a translation assembly may support longitudinal movement of a cargo platform relative to a vehicle or cargo area, including movement between a retracted position and an extended position. … more As used herein, the term “Longitudinal Movement” refers to movement having at least a component extending generally in a longitudinal direction relative to an object, structure, space, area, assembly, orientation, axis, and/or other reference. Longitudinal movement need not occur exclusively in a longitudinal direction, follow a straight path, remain parallel to a longitudinal axis, maintain a constant orientation, or extend through an entire available range of movement. Longitudinal movement may follow a straight, curved, angled, segmented, irregular, guided, unguided, compound, and/or other path and may occur alone or in combination with lateral, vertical, rotational, pivoting, folding, and/or other movement. Longitudinal movement may be continuous, intermittent, incremental, reversible, manual, powered, assisted, automatic, and/or otherwise produced or controlled. In certain embodiments, a translation assembly may support longitudinal movement of a cargo platform relative to a vehicle or cargo area, including movement between a retracted position and an extended position.