Abstract: A portable platform with a retractable staircase, the portable platform having a platform frame. The frame is rectangular in shape and made up of four corner posts, front and rear panels, two midrails, and two top rails. The staircase pivots about a single pivot point situated at floor level on the platform, which also comprises a landing. The platform has two pivotable gates, one of which is situated at the front of the platform frame and the other of which is situated at the top of the staircase. An extension plate extends rearwardly from the rear panel of the platform at floor level and is configured to overlie a truck bed. Anchor legs extend downwardly from the extension plate and are configured to fit within existing apertures in the truck bed. The staircase is raised and lowered with a brake winch.

Abstract: An active interlocking fastener system is adapted to control an interlock in response to an external stimulus. The interlocking fastener system includes a first element including a plurality of first interlocking fasteners. The interlocking fastener system also includes a second element including a plurality of second interlocking fasteners configured to couple to the first plurality of interlocking fasteners. The plurality of first interlocking fasteners or the plurality of second interlocking fasteners includes a reactive material configured to vary a mechanical engagement between the plurality of first interlocking fasteners and the plurality of second interlocking fasteners as a function of the external stimulus.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle (RV) includes a slide-out compartment that increases a size of an interior living space. The slide-out compartment extends from and retracts into a rear side of the RV. The slide-out compartment includes a plurality of panels coupled to a rear double door structure. The plurality of panels configured to extend from the RV in an open state and recede into the RV in a closed state. The double door structure is configured to recess into a rear door jamb of the RV and form a weather seal with the rear door jamb when the slide-out compartment is in a closed state and detach from the door jamb when the when the slide-out compartment is not in a closed state.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle (RV) includes a slide-out compartment that increases a size of an interior living space. The slide-out compartment extends from and retracts into a rear side of the RV. The slide-out compartment includes a plurality of panels coupled to a rear double door structure. The plurality of panels configured to extend from the RV in an open state and recede into the RV in a closed state. The double door structure is configured to recess into a rear door jamb of the RV and form a weather seal with the rear door jamb when the slide-out compartment is in a closed state and detach from the door jamb when the when the slide-out compartment is not in a closed state.

Abstract: An active interlocking fastener system is adapted to control an interlock in response to an external stimulus. The interlocking fastener system includes a first element including a plurality of first interlocking fasteners. The interlocking fastener system also includes a second element including a plurality of second interlocking fasteners configured to couple to the first plurality of interlocking fasteners. The plurality of first interlocking fasteners or the plurality of second interlocking fasteners includes a reactive material configured to vary a mechanical engagement between the plurality of first interlocking fasteners and the plurality of second interlocking fasteners as a function of the external stimulus.

Abstract: A van includes an interface element and one or more doors. The interface element can be a frame or connector that is configured to fit a sliding door opening of the van. The one or more doors are configured to fit the interface connector of the van. The one or more doors are configured to be operable by a driver of the van.

Abstract: A van includes modified a first side panel of the van. An exterior portion of the first side panel forms a first exterior side of the van. The van includes a second side panel of the van. An exterior portion of the second side panel forms a second exterior side of the van. The van also includes a planar floor surface configured to extend from the first side panel to the second side panel for an entire length of a cargo area. The cargo area is defined by the first side panel, the second side panel, and the planar floor surface of the van.

Abstract: A van includes an interface element and one or more doors. The interface element can be a frame or connector that is configured to fit a sliding door opening of the van. The one or more doors are configured to fit the interface connector of the van. The one or more doors are configured to be operable by a driver of the van.

Abstract: A van includes an interface element and one or more doors. The interface element can be a frame or connector that is configured to fit a sliding door opening of the van. The one or more doors are configured to fit the interface connector of the van. The one or more doors are configured to be operable by a driver of the van.

Abstract: A van includes a recessed shelf disposed above a driver's cabin of the van. The recessed shelf comprises a bottom planar surface, a back planar surface, a first lateral planar surface and a second lateral planar surface. The bottom planar surface is disposed from the transition section above the windshield to the back planar surface and extends from the first lateral planar surface of the recessed shelf to the second lateral planar surface of the recessed shelf. The back planar surface is disposed from the bottom planar surface to the transition section and extends from the first lateral planar surface to the second lateral planar surface. Both the first lateral planar surface and the second lateral planar surface are disposed from a side of the bottom planar surface and a side of the back planar surface to the contoured surface of the transition section.

Abstract: A van includes modified a first side panel of the van. An exterior portion of the first side panel forms a first exterior side of the van. The van includes a second side panel of the van. An exterior portion of the second side panel forms a second exterior side of the van. The van also includes a planar floor surface configured to extend from the first side panel to the second side panel for an entire length of a cargo area. The cargo area is defined by the first side panel, the second side panel, and the planar floor surface of the van.

Abstract: A van includes an interface element and one or more doors. The interface element can be a frame or connector that is configured to fit a sliding door opening of the van. The one or more doors are configured to fit the interface connector of the van. The one or more doors are configured to be operable by a driver of the van.

Abstract: A system and method for graphically displaying information concerning geographically dispersed assets. The system comprises a computer program that associates map and/or geographical data with a physical asset; an icon or other graphical representation of each dispersed asset; and an automatic grouping function that combines at least two of the assets into a single icon or other graphical representation of the multiplicity of assets and generates a shape that represents the grouped assets. The method comprises the steps of using a computer program to associate map and/or geographical data with a physical asset; representing each dispersed asset with an icon or other graphical representation on a display; and using an automatic grouping function to combine at least two of the assets into a single icon or other graphical representation of the multiplicity of assets and generate a shape that represents the grouped assets.