Abstract: A roll on roll off receptacle handling system, that can load and unload a receptacle, store the receptacle and transporting the receptacle. The system includes a storage platform or independent support, such as portable jacks, for supporting the receptacle when it is rolled off the transport device. The transport device, that the receptacle can be rolled on to, can transport the receptacle to another location where it can be rolled off to another platform or independent support. The system also includes power assist devices for operating the jacks and for moving the receptacles to and from the transport device.

Abstract: A modular rail system supports accessories on a pickup truck bed. The system comprises first and second rail assemblies overlying the top surfaces of the first and second truck bed side walls for releasably connecting with the side walls. A flexible cover overlies the bed for covering and providing protection for the bed. A locking mechanism is likewise provided and is associated with the cover and the rail assemblies for lockingly attaching the cover to the rail assemblies and securing the cover in place over the truck bed. The first and second rail assemblies include first and second elongate members having at least one outboard elongated channel and at least two inboard elongated channels for receiving a mating portion of an accessory or an attachment for an accessory.

Abstract: A truck cap window wiper system is disclosed for a truck cap having a glass pane within a window frame. The truck cap is mounted above a truck bed and a tailgate. The glass pane is movable between an open position and a closed position. The window wiper means is for wiping the glass window. The window wiper means is adapted for oscillatory movement against the glass pane. The drive means is mountable to one of the glass pane, the window frame, the tailgate and the truck cap for providing a source of drive power to the wiper means. Engaging means are provided for transmitting the drive power provided by the drive means to the wiper means. Biasing means are provided for resiliently biasing the wiper means towards the drive means and towards the glass pane.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved mobile body construction in the field of motor homes having relatively rigid side walls mounted to a floor above a chassis frame. A frame joint system is provided through use of metallic extruded joint members of a lightweight configuration, while maintaining a relatively rigid frame. These joint members are elongated and can be cut to the individual needs of the particular unit under construction, and comprise a hollow interior subdivided into strengthening polygonal cells. A floor interfacing beam is connected to the floor. The floor interfacing beam has a cross-section including two rectangular polygons and an approximately triangular polygon. The three polygons share a common surface which is parallel to the floor and are juxtaposed adjacent one another. A side wall interfacing beam is connected to the side wall, and has a cross-section including both a polygon having four sides and at least two approximately 90-degree angles and a vertical portion.

Abstract: A rail saver pad comprised of a sheet or pad of resilient, waterproof material that can be easily installed on the side and front rails of a vehicle, typically a pickup truck, in order to protect the vehicle surface from wear caused by the vehicle accessory mounted thereon.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the construction of new and improved motor homes and, more particularly, to the construction of a superstructure platform and the mounting of the platform on a unit chassis. In addition to improving the stability of the vehicle, the present invention also provides rigidity in the motor home, as well as storage space for goods that is easily accessible from the outside of the motor home.

Abstract: A surveillance camper module that is transferable from one truck bed to another comprising a complete enclosure adaptable for insertion into the bed of a truck, having an upper volume which disguises the bed as a camper, a lower volume which mates with the truck bed, side windows with barriers that are impervious to outside light for concealing its occupants, a comfortable interior volume with a multitude of surveillance equipment and a plurality of microphones installed around the perimeter of the camper for detecting outside disturbances.

Abstract: An assembly (10) is disclosed including first slides (38) secured by bolts (64) to a topper (26) and second slides (36) secured by bolts (68) to the side walls (18) of a pickup truck (12). The first and second slides (36, 38) are of a tubular shape, with each of the first slides (38) further including first and second vertical legs (44) located on opposite sides of the second slides (36) and a horizontal seal leg (46) for sandwiching a seal (66) against the topper (26). First connectors (50) having female head portions (52) and second connectors (60) having male head portions (62) horizontally slideably received in the female head portions (52) include tabs (54) slideably received in the ends of the tubular shape of the slides (36, 38) and secured therein by the securement bolts (64, 68). A tubular weatherstrip (88) is slid on a cross bar (90) held by L-shaped portions formed on the connectors (50) of the front ends of the second slides (36).

Abstract: A set of rails are in place atop the sidewalls of a truck box. Slides, one each in place on the sides of a truck canopy, engage the rails and include a flange for inserted engagement with an undercut portion of each rail. A flange free forward segment of each slide facilitates initial slide-to-rail engagement. Loading brackets, temporarily attachable to each rail, facilitate one man loading of the canopy while skids support the canopy rearward end. Teeth on the brackets and the slides prevent canopy slippage during loading. Canopy hold downs on the rails are engaged by a hold down member on each slide. Tie down hooks are carried in the crosswise slots of each rail and are locked in place by a canopy mounted slide or, alternatively by an insert in place in a rail when the canopy is removed.

Abstract: The invention comprises a camper shell corner reinforcement device for mounting the corner of a camper shell, trim, and base mounting of the camper shell together and for reinforcing their connection in the corner. The device has two brackets. One bracket has an elongated frame with a curved end and with an inclined wall extending about the curved end. The elongated frame portion is inserted in the end of the tubular portion of the base mounting for the shell which base mounting and its tubular portion extends along the bottom outer edge of the shell, along the opposing sides to the rear corners of the shell with the curved portion extending around the corner of the shell with the inclined curved wall providing a curved inside backing or reinforcing wall for the shell for the portions of the shell extending around the corner.

Abstract: A combination camper shell and lumber rack for a pickup truck. A framework is mounted on the truck and used as a lumber rack when the covering shell is not installed, and then when desired the lumber rack is readily converted to a framework for supporting a covering shell. The lumber rack is structured so that it may be converted to a full camper shell frame by setting in place several rafter members that are adapted to be removably mounted across the top of the lumber rack frame to define the camper top profile. A flexible foldable soft top is shaped and arranged to extend over the lumber rack frame with the rafters in position and to be secured in position so as to enclose the frame. The walls of the shell are formed of a fabric, plastic or equivalent material shaped to cooperate with the frame and be supported thereby to define the camper covering sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cap for pickup truck cargo bodies that is secured in place by hinges and may be tilted by removing the hinge pins on one side and removed by removing the hinge pins from both sides. Rods are provided which engage the hinge cylinder on the body and on the cap and thereby secure and support the cap from dynamic forces that might otherwise cause the cap to lift or drop.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting and lifting a wheelless, vehicle-mounted camper cabin includes built-in jacks for safely, quickly and easily loading and unloading the camper cabin with respect to a transporting vehicle. The apparatus can be attached to the camper cabin and suspended therefrom when the camper cabin is mounted on a vehicle, and the apparatus can be used to secure the camper cabin on the transporting vehicle, while eliminating the need for tie-down chains, turnbuckles or other inconvenient means of securing the camper cabin to the transporting vehicle. The apparatus can include wheels for enabling the camper cabin to be moved about when the cabin has been removed from the vehicle and supported by the apparatus. The apparatus is also very stable to permit safe occupancy of the camper cabin when the cabin has been off-loaded from the vehicle and supported by the apparatus.

Abstract: A universal weather-tight pickup-truck camper-top configuration facilitating easy detatchment by the driver alone; plus, provision of an optional rentable component facilitating rapid one-man deployment into a trolling-skiff. The skiff's structure is divided into bow/stern sections, the stern-section forming the primary outer portion of the camper-top, the bow-section being concealably nested in stow-position directly thereunder;--giving a clean appearance belying the uniquely advantageous dual-purpose functionality. The sections nest inverted upon special slide-rails atop a pickups' existing sidewall-gunnels, enabling manual telescopic translation of the respective bow-sections aftward, for lowering to the ground where mid-ship flanges are easily deployed into aligned position by a single operator. A special vertically sliding midship keywayed channeled guillotine seat member, intimately locks the interfacing hull-section flanges in water-tight position.

Abstract: A system for mounting a vehicle frame to a chassis. The chassis and frame both include a pair of spaced longitudinal side rails and a plurality of lateral cross rails. Shock absorbing bushings are connected between the chassis and frame usually through spacer bars to absorb road vibrations and other forces generated during travel.

Abstract: A permanent weatherproof blind adapted for use in a variety of hunting or observing situations includes a generally cylindrical, substantially rigid shell sized to resemble a bale of hay. The shell consists of an upper section having a curved outer wall substantially conforming to a cylindrical shape and a lower section adapted to fit within and be supported by a bed of a standard pickup truck. The shell further consists of side walls on both of the upper and lower sections and front and rear walls on the lower section. Included in the curved outer wall of the upper section are one or more game sighting and shooting openings. These openings are covered by movably mounted covers which provide protection for the interior of the blind. Plastic or fiberglass may be used to form the shell.

Abstract: A cover structure for a pick-up truck in which a cover of flexible sheet material is supported by framework over the cargo body. The framework comprises front and rear bow frames pivoted to slides which are mounted in side rails and capable of being locked to the side rails in adjusted positions. The framework also includes supplemental frames pivoted to the bow frames. The side and rear panels of the cover are secured to the side and rear walls of the cargo body by Velcro strips. The front panel is secured to the front wall by a C-shaped channel clamp. The front and rear panels of the cover have detachable windows. The framework may be collapsed, with the cover still in place, to a stored position beneath the upper edges of the side and end walls of the cargo body, in which position a major portion of the cargo body is substantially unobstructed and available as cargo space. In preparation for collapsing, the side, rear and front panels are released and the front and rear panels preferably detached.

Abstract: A single T-handle latching mechanism including a center T-handle, a rotor assembly, a right and left swivel connector, a right and left rod rotator, a right and left lock rod with rotator engagement and a latching contoured end, and a right and left engagement latch plate. An approximately 90 degree rotation of the T-handle will extend the lock rods out to the right and left. With this mechanism, the lock rods also rotate about their axis approximately 180 degrees, with the contoured rod end pulling a door closed as its extension proceeds and, finally, at full extension latching the door securely closed in an engagement latch plate against its frame and sealing, not only in its longitudinal axis, but also in its frontal and horizontal axis.

Abstract: A protective liner for use in cargo beds of pickup trucks, the liner having integral storage compartments and being easily removable from the pickup truck carbo bed without the need of removing the contents of the liner before removal. A peripheral upper flange containing channel iron provides support for the bed liner and also provides a means for attaching jacks for lifting the bed liner from the carbo bed of the pickup truck.

Abstract: A cap having a roof member, depending sides and an open bottom to define a shell-like closure for a conversion van. The roof member includes a plurality of honeycomb-like panels disposed between longitudinally disposed cleats. Layers of fiberglass cloth and resin secure the panels and cleats together in the cap. A plurality of transverse support members defining a general U-shape connect to the cap on the interior.

Abstract: A shower stall has a surrounding wall structure, and a movable closet compartment is mounted in the shower stall. An access opening in provided in a first wall portion of the shower stall, with the closest compartment being mounted in a recessed position within an opening in a second wall portion of the shower stall. Suspension apparatus movably connects the closest compartment to the shower stall whereby the closest compartment can be moved to an extended position protruding outwardly from the shower stall so that the shower stall is substantially free from the presence of the movable closest.

Abstract: A bed for a recreational vehicle that is stored near the ceiling in the front portion of the vehicle when not in use and is lowered for usage. The bed when stored above the driver's area does not interfere with the operation of the vehicle. The bed is lowered into the seating area when made available for use. The bed movement is power actuated over a height difference of two and one-half to three feet. The seats are adjusted out of the path of the bed and the power mechanism is interrupted when items are in the path of the bed movement. The power actuator is contained within the bed frame and movement is controlled by a rack and pinion mounting.

Abstract: A variable size door assembly for a vehicle rear opening includes a body with upper and lower portions and an inner door opening. The body is mounted on the vehicle by a hinge. The extensions can be cut off to reduce the body lower portion width whereby vehicles with rear openings of various widths can be accommodated by the door assembly. A pair of gasket subassemblies each includes a rigid gasket member with a side flange for mounting on a respective side jamb of the rear opening and a back flange extending into the rear opening from a respective side flange. Each gasket subassembly also includes a flexible gasket member mounted on a respective side edge at the body lower portion for resiliently and compressibly mating with a respective rigid gasket member. An inner door assembly is hingedly mounted on the body and includes a door for controlling ingress and egress through the inner door opening in the body.

Abstract: An expandable sleeping compoartment, mounted on a vehicle, is made by placing, externally onto the vehicle, a rigid casing around a vehicle opening, a separate canopy, and a separate canopy support structure. The canopy and the canopy support structure are housed within the casing when the sleeping compartment is in the collapsed, nonuse configuration. The sleeping compartment is put into its expanded, use configuration by manually moving the casing rectilinearly outwardly from the vehicle, which will simultaneously and collectively rectilinearly extend the canopy and the canopy support to an extended, generally horizontal position. Vertical terrain-engaging supports are interposd between the casing, when the casing is in its expanded, use configuration, and the underlying terrain, when the sleeping compartment occupied.

Abstract: A device for attachment of appliances to a vehicle cargo bed. The device has a main body that is attached to the cargo bed side walls and has an elongated portion on the top and side of the side walls, respectively. Each portion has an element that engages with an appliance having a complementary configuration and an element for stationary attachment of the appliance.

Abstract: A pickup truck attachment allows a pickup truck to be used for carrying a dog box, a camping enclosure, and mounted seats on the back of the truck. The attachment includes a storage compartment shaped to fit in the cargo compartment of a pickup truck which compartment has an entrance in the rear thereof. A platform is attached over the storage compartment to the sidewalls of the cargo compartment to provide a support surface thereover and includes a pair of slide tracks attached to the top thereof. A foldable tent structure has a plurality of frame members and a flexible covering and at least two of the frame members are slidably attached in the slide tracks at one end of the frame members and adapted to slide therein for opening and collapsing the tent structure on top of the platform. A pair of seats are removably attached to the top of the platform for seating on the platform or placing on the ground while camping. The platform includes a pair of storage tanks with a water tap and a filler cap.

Abstract: An expandable vehicle sleeping compartment is mounted to an exterior side wall of a vehicle at an opening in the vehicle, extending and retracting horizontally therefrom when expanded. An inflatable air mattress and sleeping bag are disposed within the compartment upon expandable support structure and within a canopy. Access to the expanded compartment is through the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A recreation vehicle cabinet has a table leaf extensible across the center aisle and a pair of seats swingable about the front corner posts of the cabinet into and out of the cabinet interior.

Abstract: An improved motorhome in which the features normally requiring a large driving and housing space are achieved in a compact area by utilizing a pair of transversely positionable trundles each carrying a fixed cushion portion and a longitudinally movable, track-carried cushion member each such cushion member comprising a pair of cushions selectively rotatably about a common axis from a horizontal position, when a bed function is being performed, to a vertical or semi-vertical position, when a driver's or passenger's seat function, or a lounging function, is being performed, servo-mechanical means being provided to move and lock each cushion member in the appropriate longitudinal position and the rotatable cushions in the desired elevational position.

Abstract: A self propelled vehicle which provides a trailer compartment for transporting horses and other animals and living quarters for humans. A cab has a frame which is connected with the trailer frame by a special connection system that enhances the strength and rigidity of the frame. The cab body and trailer body are welded together with flat steel plates. The vehicle provides a low elevation for the trailer floor to facilitate loading and unloading of animals. Front wheel drive propulsion eliminates the need for a drive line to the rear wheels which would interfere with the low to the ground floor.

Abstract: A magnetic weather strip for making a weather proof seal between three panels around an open bed of a pick up truck and the overhanging portion of a camper body on the bed is provided and consists of a flexible magnetic strip attached to a strip of insulative material along one longitudinal recessed edge thereof and magnetically attached to top of the panels.

Abstract: A pickup truck cargo canopy assembly which is enclosed and provides complete protection from weather, theft and vandalism in the cargo area is described. The cargo canopy assembly is divided into two separate sections. The front canopy section which is mounted permanently to the truck bed sidewalls and frontwall is provided with an opening behind the pickup truck cab window and a functional window on each side. The rear canopy section which is unitarily manufactured is attached to the front section and the truck bed sidewalls by clamps that may be detached by removing a pin holding the two parts of the clamp together. This provides a removable rear section that may be stored when an open truck bed is desired. A hinged rear window assembly is attached to the rear edge of the top of the rear canopy section that also contains a latch and lock to provide a secure cargo area.

Abstract: A cap is provided for disposition over the load bed of a pickup truck and includes opposite side wall structures having lower marginal portions for close juxtaposed position relative to upper marginal portions of the side walls of the load bed. Each side wall structure and the corresponding side wall include longitudinally spaced vertically separable mounting portions supporting the side wall structure from the side wall for angular displacement relative thereto about an axis extending along the lower marginal portion of that side wall structure. In addition, each pair of mounting portions includes support and guide means interconnecting therebetween operative to guide the corresponding side wall structure relative to the corresponding side wall for up and down movement relative thereto between a lowered position juxtaposed position the side wall and an upper limit position, the support and guide structure including spring means yieldingly biasing the side wall structure toward its upper limit position.

Abstract: A camper and a pickup truck are combined so that the camper can be stored in the cargo area of the pickup truck in a manner that does not interfere with the operation of the pickup truck. The camper has rigid walls so the camper is suitable for use in inclimate weather conditions, yet the cargo area of the truck is essentially unobstructed when the camper is in the stored configuration. The camper top is stored on top of the bed of the truck.

Abstract: A folding camper for mounting in a pick-up truck, which camper includes a base frame shaped to mount in the bed of the pick-up truck, a pair of roof panels hinged to the sides of the base frame and adapted to fold inwardly, one upon another and a pair of triangular-shaped front and rear panels hinged to the front and rear ends of the base frame, respectively, and also adapted to fold inwardly, one upon the other. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the front and rear panels are adapted to fold inwardly on the base frame in sequence and the left and right-hand roof panels are designed to then fold on the front and rear panels in sequence, in order to orient the folding camper in traveling mode.

Abstract: A conventional motorhome can be improved by using joists to elevate the floor of the living area of the motorhome to the level of the floor in the driver's compartment in the motorhome. Preferably tanks as are required in connection with the motorhome are located in spaces between the joists.

Abstract: A collapsible tent-camper apparatus adapted for use with and to provide a covered extension to a rear-opening van-type vehicle. The apparatus includes a fabric covering, a foldable bed platform, and a foldable and collapsible frame for supporting the fabric covering and bed platform. The apparatus further includes a compartment within the vehicle for storing the covering, platform and frame when folded and collapsed, in addition to structure which enables these components to be slideably moved into or out of the storage compartment.

Abstract: The single room interior space of a compact motorvan for most daytime living converts quickly into three private compartments by simply opening a set of dual function folding doors (movable partitions) exposing a toilet and bigger than average shower stall area (latter doubling as coat closet) and at the same time forming a central compartment, thereby automatically creating two more private compartments in front and rear. The kitchen facilities located in the central compartment, opposite from the toilet and shower/coat closet area, are used when the doors cover that area from view. This central utility compartment is always available for active use and never occupied by seats, table or beds. The four seats in the instantly creatable front compartment rapidly convert to two, wide single beds, with ample space between them for quick exit or access to the central privacy compartment.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting a transfer truck to a flat bed or the like comprising a storage bin for aiding in removal of a truck module, such as a dump box, from a truck body, then storing the same until it is needed again. The apparatus includes upstanding side walls and a rear wall with a pair of ramps mounted to the rear wall and brackets at the front of the side walls. The ramps allow rollers on the dump box to roll up the ramp onto the top thereof and the brackets support the front of the dump box. the truck body can then be moved away from the dump box, after disengagement thereof, until it is desired to re-mount the dump box. Of course, other truck modules, such as water tanks, flat beds, etc. can be so mounted and de-mounted.

Abstract: Mobile camping apparatus which includes a van type of automotive vehicle. The van has a body provided with a chamber therein which serves as living quarters. The roof of the body is angularly movable to a raised position. Horizontal bed structure mounted adjacent the upper portion of the body serves as a ceiling for the living quarters when the bed structure is not positioned for use. The bed structure is moved linearly with respect to the body as the roof angularly moves upwardly. The bed structure becomes positioned for use when a major portion of the bed structure is substantially at the side or front of the body at the upper portion of the body. When the bed structure is so positioned for use, the living quarters is increased in volume and has substantial head room adjacent the bed structure. Motor members, rack and pinion members, and linkage members are included in the apparatus for laterally moving the bed structure and for pivotally moving the roof.

Abstract: A pick-up cap construction is provided which includes a novel compressible seal arrangement between the pick-up driver cab and the pick-up cap, a novel rear door construction and a novel pick-up cap holddown arrangement. The rear door construction includes a full size rear door covering the complete area from the top of the pick-up cap to the truck bed, pivoted about a horizontally extending axis disposed at the top of the pick-up cap. The pick-up cap sidewalls are attached to the pick-up truck box sidewalls by means of an extruded metal mounting rail which forms one side of a sandwich clamp construction engageable with the lower part of the cap sidewall, and which is riveted to another extruded metal profile part which serves the additional function of accommodating a mounting of a decorative profile strip to cover the connection between the cap and truck box sidewalls.

Abstract: A pick-up truck has a cab with a back wall located between the front and rear wheels of the truck. The cab floor is in a horizontal plane with seats secured to the floor. A load platform is located behind the cab and extends back from the cab over the rear wheels and is substantially above the level of said cab floor. An opening is located in the platform immediately adjacent the cab and extends rearwardly therefrom. A camping addition unit is releasably fastened on the load platform. The camping addition unit includes an opening aligned with the platform opening. The tub-like depression is located in the opening with an addition floor located in the same horizontal plane as the cab floor and with sidewalls which extends upwardly to the platform. The addition floor forms an increased height for standing in the interior of the addition means and defines a living space in the area of the platform opening as a rearward extension of the space in the cab.

Abstract: Mobile camping apparatus which includes a van type of automotive vehicle. The van has a body provided with a chamber therein which serves as living quarters. The roof of the body is pivotally movable to a raised position. Bed structure mounted adjacent the upper portion of the body serves as a ceiling for the living quarters when the bed structure is not positioned for use. The bed structure is moved laterally with respect to the body as the roof pivotally moves upwardly. The bed structure becomes positioned for use when the bed structure is substantially at the side of the body at the upper portion thereof. When the bed structure is so positioned for use, the living quarters is increased in volume and has substantial head room adjacent the bed structure. Motor members, screw members, linkage members are included in the apparatus for laterally moving the bed structure and for pivotally moving the roof.

Abstract: A camper unit, adapted to be mounted on a vehicle, has a boxlike structure whose front, top and rear walls are formed in one piece of said foam plate sandwiched between aluminum layers with the angular junctions between these walls formed by mitering the hard foam and bending the outer aluminum layer so that edges of the hard foam plate are adhesively bonded together. The lateral walls are connected to the front, top and rear walls by connecting strips which are mitered at their ends to join one another all around the lateral walls and are welded to mitered junctions. A T-section member is affixed to the walls of the boxlike structure in a horizontal plane and circumferentially thereof to support the floor which is likewise formed as a hard foam plate sandwiched between layers.

Abstract: A portable prisoner transport module which is easily adaptable to use in any conventional van-type vehicle. The module is a box-like container with a door connected to its rear wall, permitting access into the module. The module may be easily inserted into and removed from a van by two to four men, and may be temporarily secured in the van by removable bolts.

Abstract: Camping adapter unit mounted on a motor vehicle having a cab and a load platform extending behind the cab. The load platform has an opening therein adjacent the cab, and the adapter unit has a tub portion projecting through the opening in the platform to form an increased height for standing in the interior of the adapter unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a medical complex comprising an integrated assembly of medical equipment and fittings as well as an outer container and a general services network, suitable for quick installation in a standard aircraft to transform it into an ambulance aircraft and removal therefrom, which complex is apt to operate both on the ground and in flight.

Abstract: A sleeper unit for a motor vehicle having a frame with a cab mounted thereon is a closed compartment mounted on the frame by means which permit the unit to be tilted mechanically or manually with respect to the frame. The unit is particularly useful on a vehicle having a cab-over-engine design in which the cab is adapted to tilt for access to the engine for maintenance and/or repair.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combination motor home and houseboat in one mobile unit, said unit including a lower portion that is a partial motor home, and an invertable upper unit that is a complete houseboat. The float portion of the houseboat forms the entire roof of the combination motor home and houseboat when they are together as one unit, and provides a walkway around the house in the waterborne configuration of the houseboat. When the two units are together they form a full size motor home with access to each other by connecting doorways. When the upper unit is to be used as a houseboat, hydraulic rams on the motor home portion are used to invert the houseboat portion and place it into the water.

Abstract: A van-type vehicle has a portion of its body cut to form a shell which selectively may be fitted to or removed from the van. When the shell is removed a camper unit may be removably coupled to the van to provide motorized living accommodations.