Abstract: An occupant restraint system for protecting occupants in a compartment, such as a cab of a highway tractor or other vehicle. The system includes an interior trim panel having dual uses. The trim panel may be an elongated energy-absorbing element that forms, in a first position, at least a visually integral part of an interior wall of the compartment and, in a second position, a restraint at the front of a bunk for an occupant of the bunk. The restraint system includes a cushioned restraint attached to at least two straps, each strap being also attached to the compartment. In a first position, the cushioned restraint forms a visually integral portion of an interior surface of the compartment, and in a second position, the cushioned restraint is releasably attached to an end of the bunk such that the straps extend over the bunk and an occupant of the bunk is restrained by the cushioned restraint and the straps.

Abstract: An adjustable ladder with self-storing features and suitable for installation in the sleeping berth of an over-the-highway tractor. The ladder includes an upper and lower member. The upper member includes first and second side rails and at least one step rung rigidly disposed between the side rails. The first side rail includes a mounting end, an open end, and a center portion. One end of the first and second side rails are rotateably mounted to a mating surface. The lower member includes a first end, a second end, and a center portion extending between the first and second ends. The lower member first end is slideably engaged within the upper member open end to define a ladder length. The length is adjustable over a range by sliding the lower member with respect to the upper member. The range may be from an application length to a stored length.

Abstract: A tie down apparatus for an automotive luggage rack includes a holder located inside the outer rails of the luggage rack. The holder consists of a upper section with an aperture; two resilient retaining rails; and two stay rods. The assembly process consists of placing a washer inside the holder and then inserting the combination inside the channel of a luggage rack's outer rails. The tie down stud then can be easily inserted into the apertures of the upper portion and washer. The completed assembly can then be translated to an appropriate location along the outer rail.

Abstract: A light-weight set of four substantially flat rectangular plates sequentially connected to each other by hinges is pivotably mounted to a pick-up truck tailgate. Flat bar stock braces with orthogonal end tabs fit to tab-receiving elements attached to selected ones of the interconnected plates to secure them in predetermined angular relationships. The plates can thus be secured so that an enlarged containment space is generated to effectively extend an enclosed load space over the width and length of the tailgate. Similarly, by use of a pair of braces on each side, the central two of the four interconnected plates can be securely arranged to provide a flat workbench surface above the entire tailgate. Selected power tools may be mounted thereunder to project operating tool bits, e.g., a router bit, to machine workpieces on the workbench.

Abstract: A user-convenience assembly, mountable to an inside surface of a conventional pick-up truck tailgate, is usable with the tailgate placed in a substantially horizontal open position to provide at least one user with bottom and back support on separate cushions provided therefor. Speakers connectable to a sound system of the pick-up truck are disposed adjacent the back support to provide a user music and sound. An element to hold an ashtray and at least one food container can be mounted adjacent to the bottom support, and an umbrella holder adjacent the back support may be used to support the stem of a sun-shade umbrella. When the tailgate is in its upright closed position, a compartment holding the speakers, the back support and the umbrella holder closes to the inside surface of the upright tailgate and a pivotable cover element is locatable over a top of the compartment to exclude ambient dirt and moisture. This user-convenience assembly is readily mountable to most conventional pick-up truck tailgates.