Abstract: A vehicle roof rack system is disclosed, such as a laterally extensible rail-type rack for connection to the roof or top of a vehicle. The rack rails may extend laterally and at the same time, through or over their range of extension, come down to a more accessible or lower height with respect to the ground upon which the user is standing or located with respect to the vehicle when using the rack to load or unload cargo.

Abstract: A ramp system for a vehicle includes a control device. Using an obstacle detection device, the control device determines whether an obstacle exists within a ramp extension area. Upon determining that an obstacle exists within the ramp extension area, the control device causes a vehicle to move to a location in which no obstacle exists within the ramp extension area.

Abstract: A slidable storage system adapted for use in a pickup truck bed includes a substantially planar, slidable base. The base has a cab-side edge, at least first and second opposing substantially parallel side edges and a rear-access edge opposite and substantially in parallel to the cab-side edge. A base cab wall, at least first and second substantially opposing base sidewalls and a base rear access wall extend substantially perpendicularly up from the cab-side edge, the first and second opposing substantially parallel side edges and the rear-access edge, respectively, for a fixed height (H) forming a storage volume. Positioning the slidable storage system on the pickup truck bed, with the rear tailgate wall in an “up” position, the base will not slide past the rear tailgate wall and with the rear tailgate wall in a “down” position, the base slides out past the rear tailgate wall, enabling ready access.

Abstract: A bedslide assembly for use on a deck bed of a pickup truck is provided. An illustrative example of the bedslide assembly includes a bottom frame assembly, middle frame assembly, and top frame assembly. The bottom frame assembly includes a first latch bracket and a second latch bracket. The middle frame assembly includes a first latch assembly and a second latch assembly. The first latch assembly includes a hook. The second latch assembly also includes a hook. The top frame assembly includes an end plate. The hook of the first latch assembly is selectively engageable with the first latch bracket of the bottom frame assembly. The hook of the second latch assembly is selectively engageable with the end plate of the top frame assembly.

Abstract: A truck bed divider assembly with a horizontal dividing member operably configured to extend and retract longitudinally to directly couple with sidewalls within a truck bed and with a vertical dividing member disposed in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to the horizontal dividing member and operably configured to selectively, removably, and lockably couple to the horizontal dividing member with one or more fasteners and to linearly translate on the horizontal dividing member while coupled thereto, thereby enabling organization within the bed of a truck or other vehicle.

Abstract: A luggage board apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a front board and a rear board that are separated to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle within a luggage room. The front board and the rear board are operable simultaneously and individually. A position of a parting line at which the front board and the rear board are in contact with each other may be adjusted to a position desired by a user.

Abstract: A retractable load carrier system for a vehicle comprising a rail assembly comprising a first rail and a second rail, wherein each rail is configured to be mounted to a vehicle roof. The system can further include a rack assembly comprising a first support member and a second support member generally parallel to each other, wherein the first support member and second support member can be coupled together with at least one cross members, wherein the rack assembly has a first end and a second end, wherein both the first and second end can include a handle portion. A locking means can be coupled to the handle portion of the rack assembly, wherein the locking means comprises a plurality of engagement members configured to latch to engage the grooved portion of the rail assembly or the pins are configured to engage the pinion portion of the rail assembly.

Abstract: The invention involves a cargo carrier for vehicles that facilitates loading and unloading of items onto an enclosure; the cargo carrier may be automated and self-loading via actuators and a motorized mechanism that may be remotely controlled. The actuators may be configured to tilt the enclosure or a component thereof and one or more motors may be configured to deploy a deployable tray housed within the enclosure, which minimizes user loading or unloading labor. Typically, on a front end of the enclosure, one or more actuators may couple the enclosure to a portion of a vehicle support structure. The deployable tray may include a tiltable mechanism to further facilitate loading or unloading.

Abstract: A mortuary cargo loading system having a transport bed adjacent to a motorized winch, a cable engaged with and extending from the motorized winch, a cargo stopper comprising a first end, a second end, and a guide therebetween, and a cargo stopper support having at least one bore for receiving a cargo stopper. The mortuary cargo loading system further has the cargo stopper support and the motorized winch connected to a surface of a vehicle cargo space, the first end of the cargo stopper is engaged with the at least one bore, the cable is engaged with the guide, and the transport bed is connected to the cargo stopper support.

Abstract: A powered sliding platform assembly may include an actuator, a platform, and a controller. The platform may have a rail defining first and second openings configured to receive a pin of an actuator. The actuator and the rail may be arranged such that while the platform moves between extended and retracted positions, the pin rides along the rail between the openings. The controller may be programmed to, in response to a signal indicative of an object being proximate the platform, inhibit movement of the platform.

Abstract: A sliding platform loading device intended to equip the rear area of a vehicle that has protruding wheel passages includes: a fixed chassis, intended to be anchored onto the rear loading area of the vehicle; the sliding platform; and a guiding system between the sliding platform and the fixed chassis. The sliding platform is able to pass from a retracted position on the fixed chassis, to an unfolded position on the cantilever of the fixed chassis. The device includes auxiliary platforms, fixed, held by the fixed chassis, on the same level as the flat area of the sliding platform, the auxiliary platforms defining two lateral indentations, intended to be of an additional form to the wheel passages, and in that in the retracted position from the sliding platform, the auxiliary platforms laterally extend the flat area of the sliding platform.

Abstract: A kiosk for selling frozen confections such as shaved ice or ice cream may include with a liquid-topping dispenser assembly having liquid-dispensing faucets which are operable by a customer outside the kiosk to dispense liquid toppings onto the frozen confections.

Abstract: Cargo handling systems and methods for a freight deck of an aircraft are provided, as well as mobile transport apparatus. In at least one example, the system includes a support structure, at least one mobile transport apparatus, and a plurality of locking devices. The support structure is configured for at least partially supporting at least one cargo unit on the support structure, Each mobile transport apparatus is configured for selectively moving over the freight deck to a plurality of locations on the freight deck, for selectively engaging to the at least one cargo unit, for selectively propelling said at least one cargo unit over said freight deck while the apparatus is engaged to the at least one cargo unit, for enabling said at least one cargo unit to be deposited at a desired said location supported on said support structure, and for selectively disengaging from the at least one cargo unit.

Abstract: A device that may be mounted on a bed of a pickup truck to enable smaller vehicles, such as motorcycles, snowmobiles, or all-terrain vehicles to enter from the ground level upon a platform of the loading device. This is accomplished by the loading device having a ramp that can be pulled outwardly or rearwardly from said device, and a motorcycle can drive up the ramp to the platform. A dolly slide is pulled outwardly from the device, and extends above the tailgate. The ramp then extends downwardly from the dolly slide, so that no weight or load is displaced on the tailgate.

Abstract: A mobile wood chipper that is mounted to a motor vehicle. The wood chipper has an input hopper that during operation is desirably located at a convenient height for a user. In the case of mounting in a station wagon or van, a slidable structure may be used to allow the wood chipper to be slid into an operational position with the wood chipper at least largely outside the vehicle, and a stowed position with the wood chipper at least largely inside the vehicle. In the case of mounting in a truck, a lift mechanism may be used to allow the wood chipper to be lowered into an operational position with the wood chipper at a convenient height for a user, and lifted up into a stowed position within the truck bed. A power generator is also included to supply power to the wood chipper.

Abstract: The Trunk Caddy Insert (TCI) is an essentially rectangular storage system having a small rectangle along one long side to accommodate the tapered shape of many trunks and cargo areas. The Trunk Caddy Insert components interlock and snap together easily and securely to accommodate a variety of trunk spaces, cargo areas and personal preferences. TCI is manufactured in a variety of lengths, widths and configurations to accommodate the schematics of various motor vehicles on the market.

Abstract: A system for transporting an article between a plurality of processing devices includes a track extending above load ports of the processing devices, and an overhead travelling vehicle that travels along the track and has a hoist. A local track disposed lower than the track extends at least to a position under the track, and is oriented perpendicular to the track when viewed from above. A local carriage travels along the local track and has a hoist for vertically moving the article. A buffer disposed below the local track delivers and receives the article to and from the local carriage, and extends at least to a position under the track.

Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus having a substrate treating unit, a load port for receiving pods for storing the substrates, and transferring the pods to and from the substrate treating unit, and a buffer between the substrate treating unit and the load port for transferring the substrates to and from the substrate treating unit and the load port, and temporarily storing the pods; a carrier transport system for transferring the pods to and from the load port; and a host computer for transporting the pods in response to conditions. A transport-related control unit, when the load port is being used by one of the pods and a vehicle of the carrier transport system approaches to transfer another of the pods to the load port, to suspends a notice of transfer disapproval until completion of the use by the one of the pods.

Abstract: A truck storage system may include a deck configured to span substantially a total width of a truck bed, four support feet, each support foot situated at a respective corner of the truck bed and configured to support the deck, and a center support extending in a longitudinal direction of the truck bed between the support feet and configured to support the deck. Alternatively, the truck storage system may be configured to span approximately half a total width of a truck bed, and include two support feet situated in corners on a same lateral side of the truck bed, and a center support extending in a longitudinal direction of the truck bed between the support feet and an opposing side of the truck bed not spanned by the deck.

Abstract: The adaptor pallet includes two sets of parallel tracks, a lifting structure connecting the tracks at an elevated level, a loading end for introducing dollies to the adapter pallet, and a closed end including a stopper for limiting the movement of dollies. The adaptor pallet further includes a locking plate which is rotatably connected to the lifting structure at one end, while another end of the locking plate includes a stopper protrusion and a member for releasably affixing the locking plate into a horizontal position such that the stopper protrusion limits the movement of the dollies at the loading end of the adaptor pallet, wherein the locking plate is releasable from the horizontal position into an angled position for opening the loading end of the adaptor pallet.

Abstract: Lazy Laura is a cargo handling device designed to move cargo front to rear or vice versa consisting of multiple free-floating panel's (1) that can be added or removed to achieve any desired length. Each panel being joined by one or more 360-degree hinge (2), which may have a removable pin (3). Each said panel is equipped with plurality of rollers (5) fixedly attached enabling said panels to move forward or to the rear of a defined cargo area. Panels fully loaded may be pushed or pulled through use of grips (4). No framework or mechanical alterations need be made to the cargo area.

Abstract: A loading device for incorporation into a vehicle, such as an ambulance, for loading and unloading a stretcher. The loading device has a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The loading device being predisposed to the extended configuration. The loading device may include a hoist assembly to counteract the predisposition to the extended position and move the loading device to the retracted configuration.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a cargo space situated behind a seat arrangement and an adjustable loading panel arranged inside the cargo space is provided. Guides for adjustably accommodating the loading panel are located in the cargo space. Mounted in the loading panel is an actuating handle, which can be moved through exposure to a spring action for swiveling at least one eccentric mounted in the loading panel out of a position that fixes the loading panel in place into a position that releases the loading panel for adjustment purposes, and for adjusting the loading panel. The configuration makes it possible to ergonomically load the cargo space with the continuous adjustment and automatic braking of the loading panel.

Abstract: A seed cart includes first and second mating frames. The hopper is mounted on the first frame for holding seed and has an outlet to discharge the seed. A conveyor is mounted on the second frame for movement between seed loading and unloading positions. A plurality of cylinders with extendible and retractable arms control the desired position of the conveyor. A plurality of load cells are mounted on the second frame and support the first frame. The weigh scales weigh the first frame, the hopper, and the seed in the hopper, without weighing the conveyor. Therefore, an accurate amount of seed can be dispensed from the hopper via the conveyor. Wheels and a hitch tongue can be detachably mounted on the second frame to convert the cart from a stationary unit to a mobile unit.

Abstract: Lazy Laura is a cargo handling device designed to move cargo front to rear or vice versa consisting of multiple free-floating panel's (1) that can be added or removed to achieve any desired length. Each panel being joined by one or more 360-degree hinge (2), which may have a removable pin (3). Each said panel is equipped with plurality of rollers (5) fixedly attached enabling said panels to move forward or to the rear of a defined cargo area. Panels fully loaded may be pushed or pulled through use of grips (4). No framework or mechanical alterations need be made to the cargo area.

Abstract: Select variation may include a cargo deployment system which may include at least one module for containment and delivery of cargo to a location, which may also include a vehicle for thoroughfare delivery of the module which may also include an edge at or within the height of a curb on a thoroughfare for deployment of the module onto the curb.

Abstract: A luggage compartment storage device for moving a heavy item from a low easy access point to a high storage surface. A base frame is rigidly mounted to the high storage surface. A slide is connected to the base frame. A sliding frame is connected to the slide. Rear swing arms and front swing arms are pivotally connected to the sliding frame. A damper is connected between the rear swing arms and the sliding frame. A platform support frame is pivotally connected to the front swing arms and the rear swing arms. A platform is supported by the platform support frame. A pull down handle is pivotally connected to the front swing arms. The position of the pull down handle is lockable. A locking device is used for locking the platform support frame in place when the platform is at the high storage surface. The user manipulates the pull down handle to move the heavy item between the high storage surface and the low easy access point.

Abstract: A mobile stacking and reclaiming apparatus includes a moveable bridge, a moveable hopper and a moveable tripper. The moveable bridge has a first end, a second end, and at least one intermediate portion between the first and second ends. The moveable hopper is connected to the moveable bridge. The moveable hopper is moveable relative to the moveable bridge along at least a portion of the moveable bridge. The moveable tripper is also connected to the moveable bridge. The moveable tripper being moveable relative to the moveable bridge along at least a portion of the moveable bridge. A system is also disclosed that includes at least one mobile stacking and reclaiming apparatus adjacent to at least one stacking overland conveyor configured to convey material for stacking material and at least one reclaiming overland conveyor configured to convey material for reclaiming material. A method of providing such systems is also disclosed.

Abstract: A secure loading system operates with a wheelchair lift attached to a vehicle, securing the wheelchair to a platform during the lifting motion and retracting the platform into the vehicle once the wheelchair has been lifted, or performing a reverse operation wherein the platform is extended to the lift for lowering the wheelchair. The secure loading system may be an after-market add-on to a lift, or may be integrated into the lift at design time. The system may also be adapted for many other embodiments wherein a secured platform is needed during a lifting motion.

Abstract: A loading floor for a cargo space of a vehicle includes a section which is fixed to the vehicle, cannot be displaced and, viewed in the driving direction, is arranged in the front in the cargo space. Another section is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The two sections each extend over the entire width of the cargo space. The displaceable section is displaceable over the section fixed to the vehicle. In its most rearward position viewed in the driving direction, the displaceable section may be lowered into the cargo space so that it adjoins the section fixed to the vehicle flush with the surface.

Abstract: A lift apparatus is disclosed. Particularly, a lift apparatus may comprise a support frame and a platform movably coupled to the support frame. Further, the platform may comprise at least one roller and a transmission connected to the at least one roller of the assembly, wherein rotation of the at least one roller causes the platform to move relative to the support frame. In another aspect of the present invention, a lift apparatus may include a telescoping platform. The present invention also contemplates a method of moving a wheelchair lift. Particularly, a wheelchair may be positioned such that at least one wheel of the wheelchair contacts a drive mechanism of a platform or a telescoping platform that are positioned at an initial position. Further, the at least one wheel of the wheelchair may be rotated to cause the platform or the telescoping platform to move relative to their initial positions.

Abstract: An extender bed system having channel affixed to the flatbed of the vehicle and a cradle slidingly received within the channel. An extendable bed is slidingly received within the cradle and a plurality of bearings affixed to the cradle permit sliding movement of the cradle in the channel and sliding movement of the extendable bed in the cradle.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle having a power-actuated ramp including a vehicle body having a roof, front portion and a rear portion. The vehicle body further includes opposed side portions and a floor that cooperate with the roof, front portion and rear portion to define a passenger area. The vehicle body further includes at least one door to provide boarding and alighting relative to the passenger area. The automotive vehicle further includes a ramp cartridge operatively supported relative to the vehicle's floor. The ramp cartridge includes a frame assembly having a main deck and a ramp assembly having a ramp that is adapted to be retained in a stored position below the main deck. The ramp cartridge further includes a drive assembly adapted to actuate the ramp between a stored position and a first ramp position and between the stored position and a second ramp position.

Abstract: A small vehicle loading and transport deck for pickup trucks which includes a box-like frame which is positioned within the bed of the truck and which has a deck movably mounted thereon which is movable from an inclined and rearwardly extending loading/unloading position to a transport position wherein the deck is positioned on the top of the frame. The box-like frame provides a storage area beneath the deck so that articles or objects may be stored therein. A winch is provided for moving the deck between its loading/unloading position and its transport position and vice versa. The winch may also be used to load a disabled vehicle onto the platform.

Abstract: A trailer having support wheels and a frame adapted to be hitched to a truck, includes a support track extending longitudinally for supporting an unload conveyor. The conveyor is mounted by a turret to the support track and, thus, to the trailer frame, permitting the turret to move in a fore-to-aft direction, as well as to rotate about the vertical for about 180°, providing flexibility in use as well as transport and storage. A support module, carrying at least one storage container is mounted on the trailer frame. The storage containers may be provided in a number of different sizes and they may be arranged in various configurations suiting the user's needs. The turret is positioned along the track beneath a desired seed container, which may then be unloaded by the conveyor to fill a planter seed box or grain drill, or for other seed handling applications.

Abstract: A patient support includes a base, a patient support surface supported by the base, an electrically powered device, and a rechargeable power storage device for powering the electrically powered device. Further, the patient support includes a receiving coil that is electrically coupled to the rechargeable power supply for inductive coupling with a transmitting coil, the receiving coil for recharging the rechargeable power supply when the receiving coil is inductively coupled to the transmitting coil.

Abstract: An extendable vehicle cargo floor assembly that includes a semi-rigid material panel base and a slideable panel that slides between guides so as to provide easy access to cargo stored in the vehicle storage part. In another embodiment, the panels are segmented in parts and joined together at installation. In another embodiment, the base panel is not used and instead, a bedliner is configured to operate as the base panel.

Abstract: A battery changing system is provided to change the battery in an industrial truck, such as a fork lift truck, with a battery block that can be moved in the horizontal direction by a roller conveyor relative to a battery compartment of the industrial truck. The invention teaches that the battery in the industrial truck can be changed easily and economically by providing an external roller conveyor (5) that can be moved in the vertical direction. To change the battery, the roller conveyor (5) can be placed underneath a battery compartment (2) in the industrial truck that contains the battery (1) and then the roller conveyor (5) can be raised. A floor (7) of the battery compartment (2) of the industrial truck can be provided with at least one opening (8; 9) for receiving one or more rollers of the roller conveyor (5).

Abstract: A transfigurable bed liner assembly mountable on a vehicle including a bed. The assembly may include a channel mountable to each side wall of the vehicle, and a transfigurable bed liner including a plurality of rollers disposable in the channels for permitting sliding of the transfigurable bed liner. The transfigurable bed liner may include a leg generally adjacent a first end thereof for supporting the transfigurable bed liner in an extended position, for use of the bed liner, for example, as a workbench and for permitting loading of heavy objects.

Abstract: A truck bed loading platform including a rail mountable on a truck bed. The platform also includes a first and second hingedly connected tray portions. Furthermore, the platform includes means for slidably mounting the first and second tray portions on the rail for sliding movement between first and second positions. The rail includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced rollers. The platform can include an optional handle(s) for facilitating manual sliding of the platform. The platform can also include an optional lock for locking the entire platform in place on a truck bed.

Abstract: A luggage storage structure for an automobile includes: a storage concave portion formed so as to project downward on a floor panel and capable of storing luggage, a plate member for approximately closing an upper part of the storage concave portion, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the plate member approximately up and down in an upper part of the floor panel. The luggage structure is securely protected by the plate member and the transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A system for forming a retractable cargo support for use over the bed of a truck is disclosed. The system includes a slide system with an elongated slide base having an upwardly opening U-shaped cross-section, an intermediate slide that is slidably mounted within the U-shaped cross-section of the slide base has an upwardly opening U-shaped cross section, and a top slide. The top slide includes a downwardly opening U-shaped cross-section, and is adapted for nesting in a sliding relationship within the U-shaped cross-section of the intermediate slide. A load surface is attached to the top slide, so that mounting the slide base to the bed of the truck allows the load surface to be slid in and out of the bed of the truck.

Abstract: Transport accessories useable with a vehicle for supporting cargo and a method of loading cargo onto a transport accessory useable with a vehicle. In one embodiment, the transport accessory includes a base frame connectable to the vehicle, a second frame slidably connected to the base frame and movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the base frame, a carriage pivotally connected to the second frame and pivotable between a substantially horizontal position and an inclined position relative to the second frame, a support frame rigidly connected to the carriage and pivotal therewith between the substantially horizontal position and the inclined position and a transport platform slidably connected to the support frame and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the support frame. Cargo is loadable on and unloadable from the transport platform when the transport platform is in the extended position.

Abstract: A pull out system, or a pull out drawer system for vehicles and trailers can be improved by an inverted French F-channel as a stationary rail; an inverted U-channel as a movable rail; and/or a cam-follower bearing being present among rollers on the rails. Also, a movable frame for a pull out drawer system can be improved by providing a support member for supporting a slide-in/out accessory, for example, a drawer or a ramp, and further by providing the accessory with such a frame.

Abstract: A loading floor for a vehicle having first guide elements for engaging second guide elements of the vehicle, for lifting and extending a loading floor. The first guide elements are provisioned at the sides of the loading floor. A loading apparatus for a vehicle having a loading area with two sidewalls that border the loading area. Guide elements are provided for lifting and extending a loading floor, where the guide elements are provisioned on or in the sidewalls above the vehicle floor.

Abstract: A truck bed extender that enables a user to load and unload heavy loads from a truck bed. The apparatus includes a lower frame longitudinally aligned and securely mounted inside the truck bed. Disposed inside the lower frame is a sliding intermediate frame with at least one length adjustable leg attached at its distal end that supports the distal end of the intermediate frame in an extended position. During assembly, the proximal end of the intermediate frame slides into, and extends from, the lower frame. Disposed longitudinally over the lower frame and the intermediate frame is a moveable upper frame with a support panel attached thereto. When the intermediate frame is fully extended from the truck bed, the upper frame may move longitudinally rearward from the truck bed and onto the intermediate frame so that cargo may be loaded or unloaded onto the support panel.

Abstract: An access system for passenger boarding of a vehicle is provided. The access system includes a frame mounted to the vehicle. A ramp is movably mounted in the frame. The ramp is movable with respect to the frame between a stowed position and a deployed position with respect to the vehicle. The ramp includes side barriers extending therealong between an inboard end and an outboard end of the ramp. The side barriers are movable between a stowed orientation and a raised safety barrier orientation by an actuator. The vehicular access system includes a frame positioned below the floor level of a vehicle to which a carriage is moveably mounted. The ramp or transfer member is attached to the carriage by a pivoting rocker assembly. A drive assembly deploys and stows the ramp from the frame. An actuator is moveable between a raised safety barrier orientation and a stowed low-profile orientation with a side barrier that is pivotably mounted and spring biased toward the stowed low-profile orientation.

Abstract: A loading ramp having an elongated frame with guideways along its length on opposite side thereof. A moving panel having rollers at its front and rear adapted to roll along die guideways of the ramp to roll the panel along the length of the elongated frame. A table mounted at one end to the moving panel and support means to support the table at its other end out away from the panel. A loading bracket for mounting in the doorway of an aircraft and adapted to receive the upper end of the elongated frame to provide a ramp from the ground to the doorway of the aircraft. A power mechanism for powering the panel and connecting table upward and downward along the frame from adjacent the ground to the doorway of the aircraft.

Abstract: Quick-installing and quick-releasing pull out cargo-carrying frame includes a stationary frame to which is attached a first component of a quick-stall, quick-release attachment member, which can be employed to secure the frame to a cargo or other mounting area of a vehicle, trailer or other suitable mounting member through a second component of the quick-install, quick-release attachment member corresponding to the first component. The frame can be accompanied by a tray or other cargo-supporting member.

Abstract: A loading floor for a vehicle having first guide elements for engaging second guide elements of the vehicle, for lifting and extending a loading floor. The first guide elements are provisioned at the sides of the loading floor. A loading apparatus for a vehicle having a loading area with two sidewalls that border the loading area. Guide elements are provided for lifting and extending a loading floor, where the guide elements are provisioned on or in the sidewalls above the vehicle floor.