Abstract: A stowable top or cover mounted on an open bed of a truck, such as a pickup truck, using lift frames and actuators in a manner to be raised above the bed. The cover and lift frames include attachment channels for connecting a flexible tent-like enclosure thereto such that the enclosure can be attached thereto after the cover is raised. The flexible enclosure can comprise a camper enclosure that encloses the truck bed and also optionally can extend beyond the truck bed to form additional sitting and sleeping rooms supported on separate portable tent-type posts and platforms. A flexible awning enclosure can be attached to the raised cover and lift frames to form an awning that extends beyond the truck bed supported on separate tent-type posts to provide a covered area for on-site work/commercial/recreational activities. An office enclosure can be attached to the raised cover and lift frames to form an office or meeting room where job-site work/meetings and the like can be conducted protected from the weather.

Abstract: A composite window assembly for use in an automotive vehicle includes a composite guide plate. The composite guide plate is molded from a polymeric material. The guide plate has a plurality of guide structures. Furthermore, a molded polymeric composite sector gear has an integrated extension arm. Moreover, a molded composite window mounting plate is provided. The present invention also provides a guide, retention means and ball bearing construction. A method of manufacturing the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reconfigurable space frame cabinet for mounting to a vehicle and a method of assembly therefor. The reconfigurable space frame cabinet includes four elongated corner members having two parallel extending grooves on a first side and a plurality of mounting holes on a second side for adjustably mounting various hardware fittings. First and second channel members having first and second channels, respectively, are mounted substantially perpendicular to the four elongated corner member. First and second side panels are positioned within the first and second channels adjacent to the elongated corner members. Four trim covers, each having two parallel extending fingers are used for removably engaging the two parallel extending grooves in the elongated corner members. A top assembly having various recessed features is mounted substantially perpendicular to each elongated corner member.

Abstract: An improved bow for a convertible top is described which is molded from a polymeric resin such as nylon and reinforced with glass fibers. The bow has a general I beam cross section and can be reinforced for additional strength. The ends of the bow can be configured to retain stay pads or tack strips. The bow can be molded in a set of tools that have interchangeable ends and retain the same mold for the central section of the bow. The interchangeable tools for producing the ends of the bow allow for greater manufacturing flexibility in that the central tool is retained for use in producing multiple styles of bows while expenses only have to be incurred for additional tooling for the ends of the bows.