Abstract: A sleeping compartment (10) for a truck is made up of a plurality of pre-assembled sections or modules including a first type (14, 14?, 14?) having one or more seats and a second type (16, 86, 86? , 86?) having a bed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a seat (60) is mounted on a sidewall (22, 22?, 22?) of the first type of module and includes a seat bottom (66) moveable from a substantially vertical stowed position against the side wall and a substantially horizontal deployed position. A seat support (34) mounted on the floor (20) is movable from a stowed position substantially flush with the floor of the first type of module to a deployed position protruding upwardly from the floor to support the seat bottom in the deployed position. The seat support is preferably a door panel covering a storage space (32) beneath the floor which is accessible from outside the sleeping compartment.

Abstract: A kit of parts including shortened side panels and a roof panel is provided for installation on a highway truck tractor which is being converted from a sleeper cab configuration to a day cab configuration. The kit of parts is particularly useful when converting an integral sleeper cab which requires that the frame and floor be shortened before installation of the components of the conversion kit. When the replacement components are provided in the form of a kit, conversions from sleeper cab to day cab can readily be accomplished in a cost effective manner to realize many benefits recognized with conversion from sleeper cabs to day cabs already being done with non-integral types of sleeper cabs.

Abstract: A rear seat assembly of a passenger cabin of a pick-up truck includes a rear seat cushion and a rear seat back, each rotatable such that a bottom surface of the rotated rear seat back can rest upon a rear end of the rotated seat cushion to provide a storage space beneath the rotated seat back and between the rotated seat cushion and a rear wall of the passenger cabin. The cargo bed of the truck may be extended into the storage space by providing an access door thereto in a front wall of the cargo bed in communication with a corresponding opening in the rear wall of the passenger cabin.

Abstract: A sleeper cab assembly for a tractor-trailer truck. The sleeper cab assembly has a primary sleeper cab structure that is positioned behind the driver cab of the tractor-trailer. The primary sleeper cab structure has a rear wall, wherein an opening is disposed in the rear wall. A door is coupled to the rear wall for selectively opening and closing the rear wall opening. The door is selectively positionable between a vertical position, where the door obstructs the opening, and a horizontal position where the door does not obstruct the opening. An enclosure is provided for covering an area above the door when the door is in its horizontal position. The door and its covering define a secondary chamber that is accessible from the interior of the sleeper cab structure through the opening in the rear wall.

Abstract: Plastic-metal hybrid materials are included in the construction of highway tractor sleeper sides and back panel assemblies. Sleeper panels are traditionally constructed of two elements, the panel assemblies and the interior trim. A molded panel becomes both the interior of the structure and the decorative interior surface. This allows interior components to be directly mounted to the integral structural panels. The resulting sleeper will have stronger engagement to the mounted components such as cabinetry as well as part number reduction.

Abstract: A storable bed assembly primarily for recreational vehicles permits the lowering and raising of the bed using a pair of rear guides fixed to a wall of the recreational vehicle, and a pair of swing arm guides at the front corners of the bed frame. Linkages are provided to couple the corners of the bed frame to the guides. Counterbalancing springs in the form of compressed gas cylinders are provided to assist in raising the bed assembly to the stored position.

Abstract: A conversion kit assembly for converting a sleeper truck cab with a modular sleeper/cab into a day cab includes a sleeper truck cab including a rear sill, two laterally spaced walls, and a roof, with each of the walls having a B-pillar assembly at a rearward end of the sleeper truck cab. The B-pillar assemblies are coupled together at their upper ends by the roof, and at their lower ends by a lower member such as a lower panel or a rear sill such that the rearward end of the sleeper truck cab is substantially square. The sleeper truck cab further has a plurality of attachment points at the rearward end for attaching the modular sleeper. A first plurality of fasteners, which connect the modular sleeper to the sleeper truck cab, are removed. The modular sleeper is removed from the sleeper truck cab thereby creating a rearward opening at rearward end of modular truck cab.

Abstract: A pneumatically supported bunk assembly is dynamically leveled using compressed air provided by the vehicle. Level sensors determine deviation from the horizontal. Extension sensors associated with the pneumatic cylinders prevent over or under extension of the pneumatic cylinders.

Abstract: A combined truck cab having a forward operator section and an aft living unit is constructed utilizing an underbody providing a central floor area, left side and right side flare modules providing longitudinal side walls, outer portions of the floor aft of an operator area and outer portions of the back wall, and a center back wall section between the outer portions of the back wall provided by the flare sections. The longitudinal side wall narrow on one another forward from the back wall and the outer floor portions narrow from rear to front.

Abstract: A bed is provided for a vehicle with two adjacent seats separated from each other so that a gap is defined therebetween. The bed has a body that includes a first end disposed on one seat and a second disposed on the other seat. The bed bridges the gap between the seats. The width of the body is adjustable for fitting on the seats.

Abstract: A combined truck cab having a forward operator section and an aft living unit is disclosed. The aft living unit is defined by an underbody providing a central floor area, left side and right side flare modules providing longitudinal side walls, outer portions of the floor and outer portions of the back wall, and a center back wall section between the outer portions of the back wall provided by the flare sections. The longitudinal side wall narrow on one another forward from the back wall and the outer floor portions narrow from rear to front.

Abstract: A modular bunk assembly or module provides for easy in situ installation of the bunk in an extended cab truck by compacting to a slab like profile for shipment and handling and easily expanding in the cab for installation. The bunk is readily adapted to provide attachment points corresponding to common attachment points for vehicle seats. The bunk further provides a readily reached storage area under a bed platform. Restraints may already be installed on the module when it is shipped to an automotive assembly plant.

Abstract: A storable bed assembly primarily for recreational vehicles permits the lowering and raising of the bed using a pair of rear guides fixed to a wall of the recreational vehicle, and a pair of swing arm guides at the front corners of the bed frame. Linkages are provided to couple the corners of the bed frame to the guides. Counterbalancing springs in the form of compressed gas cylinders are provided to assist in raising the bed assembly to the stored position.

Abstract: A method of converting a truck raised roof sleeper cab to a mid-roof cab comprising the steps of: providing a truck cab having a raised roof sleeper cab riveted to the upper and rearward ends thereof; removing the rivets which connect the raised roof sleeper cab to the truck cab; removing the raise roof sleeper cab from the truck cab to create an opening at the rearward end of the truck cab and an opening in the roof of a truck cab; providing a rear wall member which resembles the rear wall of a mid-roof cab and which is designed to close the opening in the rearward end of the cab created by the removal of the sleeper cab from the truck cab; securing the rear wall member to the truck cab to close the opening therein; providing a mid-roof member which resembles the roof of a mid-roof cab and which is designed to close the opening created in the roof of the truck cab by the removal of the sleeper cab from the truck cab; and securing the mid-roof member to the truck cab to close the opening in the roof of the tr

Abstract: A protective device (1) by a bed (5) in a vehicle (8), includes at least a catching part (3, 4) for a person (9) lying in the bed (5), which part can be arranged at least partly around the bed (5). The catching part (3, 4) can be inflated.

Abstract: A platform and platform support system for an occupant cabin of a vehicle. The platform support system has a primary supporting structure and a prop, the combination of which provide full support for the platform. The prop of the platform support system can be engaged to one of a plurality of prop support points. The platform is supported in a different unique position by the platform support system when the prop is engaged to each different one of the plurality of prop support points. The platform includes accommodations for storing the prop in the platform when the prop is not in use as a support for the platform. The platform and platform support system can be included as part of a bed for the occupant cabin of a vehicle. Because the platform can be selectively supported in one of a plurality of unique positions, a user of the bed can configure the platform support system to provide a bed that is positioned to allow for a more comfortable sleeping environment for various circumstances.

Abstract: The invention provides a stowable ladder mechanism for an overhead bed or upper berth in a bunk bed. A horizontal linear guide is vertically spaced above a horizontal support surface and associated with a bed or berth. The rungs of the ladder are supported between two vertical uprights, one of which is fixed at one end of the berth and the second of which is coupled to the horizontal linear guide and translates across the horizontal support surface along one side of the bed. The plurality of rungs include swing sections mounted on hinges which hang vertically when the translatable vertical upright is positioned adjacent to the fixed vertical upright. When the translatable upright is positioned away from the fixed upright, the swing sections are supported in a horizontal position.

Abstract: A platform and platform support system for an occupant cabin of a vehicle. The platform support system has a primary supporting structure and a prop, the combination of which provide full support for the platform. The prop of the platform support system can be engaged to one of a plurality of prop support points. The platform is supported in a different unique position by the platform support system when the prop is engaged to each different one of the plurality of prop support points. The platform includes accommodations for storing the prop in the platform when the prop is not in use as a support for the platform. The platform and platform support system can be included as part of a bed for the occupant cabin of a vehicle. Because the platform can be selectively supported in one of a plurality of unique positions, a user of the bed can configure the platform support system to provide a bed that is positioned to allow for a more comfortable sleeping environment for various circumstances.

Abstract: A modular cabinet for use in a vehicle having a fold-down bed is disclosed. The cabinet includes a frame having a pair of brackets, wherein a first end of each of the brackets is adapted for clasping an upper edge of the fold-down bed, when in its folded-up position. A second end of each of the brackets is adapted for clasping the lower edge of the fold-down bed. The cabinet also includes a pair of securing straps for wrapping around a side of the fold-down bed opposite from the cabinet frame and each including two ends thereof for coupling to the two ends of each of the brackets. A pair of cam buckles are also included for tightening each of the securing straps around the fold-down bed, thereby securing the cabinet frame to the fold-down bed. The cabinet further includes shelves for storage and netting or curtains to cover the openings and secure the contents thereof. A garment hanging rod may also be integrated with the cabinet or installed separately on the fold-down bed or adjacent cabinets.

Abstract: A method of converting a truck sleeper cab to a day cab comprising the steps of: providing a frame-mounted truck cab having a frame-mounted sleeper cab secured to the rearward end thereof; cutting through the boot which interconnects the sleeper cab to the truck cab; removing the sleeper cab from the truck cab to create first and second openings at the rearward end of the truck cab; providing a roof panel which is designed to close the first opening; providing a back panel which is designed to close the second opening created by the removal of the sleeper cab from the truck cab; and securing the back panel and the roof panel to the truck cab to close the first and second openings whereby the truck cab has the appearance of a day cab.

Abstract: A storable bed assembly primarily for recreational vehicles permits the lowering and raising of the bed using a pair of rear guides fixed to a wall of the recreational vehicle, and a pair of swing arm guides at the front corners of the bed frame. Linkages are provided to couple the corners of the bed frame to the guides. Counterbalancing springs in the form of compressed gas cylinders are provided to assist in raising the bed assembly to the stored position.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the plane of a mattress for changing the orientation of a plane of a mattress in a semi-truck. The device for adjusting the plane of a mattress includes a housing. The housing has a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The first side wall has a hole extending therethrough. The front wall has an opening extending therethrough. Each of a plurality of pistons is securely mounted in the housing. Each of the pistons is positioned in a different corner of the housing such that each of the corners of the housing has a piston located generally adjacent thereto. Each of a plurality of shafts is extendably positioned in one of the pistons. Each of the pistons is adapted to selectively extend the shafts upwardly through the top wall. Each of a plurality of air pumps is operationally coupled to a pair of the pistons respectively positioned adjacent to one of the side walls.

Abstract: A mattress suspension system for a vehicle for comfortably supporting an individual resting upon a mattress within a moving vehicle. The mattress suspension system for a vehicle includes a lower frame attached to a floor of a vehicle, a plurality of pivot members pivotally attached to the lower frame and pivotally attached to a pair of first support members and a pair of second support members, a first shaft and a second shaft attached to the first support members and slidably extending through the pair of second support members, a plurality of pivot members pivotally attached to the first and second support members extending upwardly and pivotally attached to an upper frame, a support device attached between the lower frame and the upper frame, and a shock attached between the upper frame and the lower frame. The support device is preferably comprised of an air sleeve or other device capable of providing an upward force upon the upper frame.

Abstract: The invention is a modular truck sleeper assembly that allows truck sleepers of various sizes and trim levels to be built on the same assembly line by pre-assembling the floor and sides and connecting them together during final assembly. A floor made up of a plurality of cross-members attached, with a predetermined distance between the cross-members, to a plurality of sills, with a first member of a foot/shoe combination attached to each of the cross-members' ends, is previously assembled and groomed with panels and cabinetry. A plurality of sides made up of a bottom stringer, a top stringer, and a plurality of risers attached, with the same predetermined distance between the risers, between the bottom stringer and the top stringer, with a second member of the foot/shoe combination attached to each of the riser ends, are also previously assembled and groomed with panels and cabinetry.

Abstract: The invention is a modular truck sleeper assembly that allows truck sleepers of various sizes and trim levels to be built on the same assembly line by preassembling the floor and sides and connecting them together during final assembly. A floor made up of a plurality of cross-members attached, with a predetermined distance between the cross-members, to a plurality of sills, with a first member of a foot/shoe combination attached to each of the cross-members' ends, is previously assembled and groomed with panels and cabinetry. A plurality of sides made up of a bottom stringer, a top stringer, and a plurality of risers attached, with the same predetermined distance between the risers, between the bottom stringer and the top stringer, with a second member of the foot/shoe combination attached to each of the riser ends, are also previously assembled and groomed with panels and cabinetry.

Abstract: A restraint system for protecting occupants in a sleeping compartment of a vehicle having a bunk bed includes at least two flexible straps having one end attached to a selected one of the vehicle or the bunk, and a second end. Attached to the straps is at least one energy absorbent padding in a position relative to the bunk bed for providing restraint and secondary collision protection to a prone occupant. The straps extend from the vehicle over the bunk bed to the second ends. A releasable lock is attached to the second ends for connecting the second ends to the vehicle or bunk. When not in use, the restraint system is conveniently stored so as to provide minimal impact on cab space. A strap retraction means is attached to the vehicle and has the first ends of the straps attached thereto. The strap retraction means is operable to retract the straps when the releasable lock is unlatched whereby the straps collapse into a stored position.

Abstract: A support system for the interior of a mobile vehicle such as a tractor-traileror over the road heavy truck. The support system provides vertical support poles for use with various features of the truck vehicle. The poles are integrated into the structure of the sleeper. They provide additional structural rigidity and limit the roof crush in the event of vehicle roll-over. The poles are equipped with various external accessories. They may have a swivel seat attached for additional seating within the sleeper. Sound system speakers may be hung from the poles and aimed where desired. A television or computer monitor may also be hung off the poles enabling adjustment for numerous viewing angles within the cab and the sleeper. The poles may also serve as a conduit for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning for the sleeper environment. The poles can serve as the air ducts or a separate duct could be installed within each pole to channel air to multiple air outlets.

Abstract: An improved sleeper bed for over-the-road trucks comprises a first upper frame and a second lower frame with an air spring mounted between the first and second frames for dampening the movement of the frames toward one another. A pair of scissors-like struts extend between the upper and lower frames and allow the upper frame to move up and down according to the amount of force thereon. A pair of pillow block bearings are mounted to braces on the lower frame. A pair of guide rods extend downwardly from the upper frame and are telescopically received in respective pillow block bearings. The pillow block bearings allow the guide rods to shift or pivot slightly when horizontal forces are experienced by the sleeper bed so as to reduce the shock felt by a user thereon.

Abstract: A movable bed frame for installation in a conventional trailer and which has a unique counterbalance system for raising the bed frame to a horizontal up or storage position and for lowering the bed frame in a horizontal down position. The counterbalance system is produced by pressurized gas pistons secured to the bed frame and to side walls of the trailer which balances the bed frame so well that a child eight years old can raise and lower the bed frame.

Abstract: An extendable sleeper for a truck that has a fixed portion and an extension. The extension is slidably connected to the fixed portion for horizontal longitudinal movement with respect thereto. The fixed portion is defined by rigid sleeper sidewalls, and is adapted for attaching to a rear portion of a truck cab. The extension has rigid extension sidewalls and a rigid rear panel. The movement of the extension with respect to the fixed portion causes the extendable sleeper to move between a stored configuration and a deployed configuration. In the stored configuration, at least part of the extension is located inside the fixed portion. In the deployed configuration, at least another part of the extension is extending behind the fixed portion such that the sleeper has a relatively greater enclosed volume.

Abstract: A method of converting a truck sleeper cab to a day cab comprising the steps of: providing a truck cab having a sleeper cab riveted to the rearward end thereof; removing the rivets which connect the sleeper cab to the truck cab; removing the sleeper cab from the truck cab to create an opening at the rearward end of the truck cab; providing a rear wall member which resembles the rear wall of a day cab and which is designed to close the opening created by the removal of the sleeper cab from the truck cab; and securing the rear wall member to the truck cab to close the opening whereby the truck cab has the appearance of a day cab.