Abstract: An improved retractable bed comprises two or more telescoping rail packs with a deck attached therebetween for supporting a cargo. Each rail pack comprises a strong and rigid intermediate rail interposed between a base rail fixed to a support surface and a primary rail. The intermediate rail has one set of support rollers for rolling along the base rail, and a second set of support rollers for rollingly supporting the primary rail. Two sets of guide rollers laterally retain the intermediate rail to the base rail and the intermediate rail to the primary rail. The present invention includes caliper brakes that act between the primary rail and base rail to selectively lock the rail packs at desired locations. A screw and handle mechanism may also be used to translate the retractable bed and to lock it relative to a support surface.

Abstract: A retractable bed is capable of handling heavy cargoes to an extended length approximately double the retracted length. The retractable bed comprises a fixed frame, a secondary frame, and a top frame. A unique arrangement of rollers engages the various frames. The top frame, which supports the cargo deck, is supported by both the fixed and secondary frames. The invention includes a locking device that is spring loaded to automatically lock the frames in selected locations between the extended and retracted positions. The locking device has a handle that extends to the front of the top frame, where it is conveniently operated by a person.