By Changing Height And Length Or Width Patents (Class 296/26.02)
  • Patent number: 11844974
    Abstract: A simulated roof firefighting training apparatus includes a rectangular frame having first and second side members and bottom and top members attached to the first and second side members to form a roof area, each of the bottom and top members including spaced apart rafter supports on inner faces thereof, first and second lifting arms having first ends pivotally mounted to the first and second side members, first and second vertical supports attached, respectively, to the first and second side members at positions proximate to the bottom member of the frame, raising mechanisms pivotally mounted between the side members and the first and second lifting arms, respectively, and fixed vertical supports attached to side members or the top member at a position proximate to where the side members are attached to the top members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Inventor: Rodney Gene Temple
  • Patent number: 11794627
    Abstract: A folding camper has a body having a lower end configured for positioning within a bed of a pickup truck or on a trailer. The camper has sidewalls rotationally engaged between the roof and body whereby the folding camper is moveable between a collapsed position wherein a first sidewall and a second sidewall and a front wall and rear wall are all folded to a substantially horizontal positioning, to a deployed positioning wherein the roof is elevated above an upper end of the body with the first sidewall and the second sidewall both rotated to a substantially vertical positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventor: Rick Wise
  • Patent number: 11613198
    Abstract: The space expanding camper bed transformers and kit of the present invention are a safe and secure means to convert a short bed of a short bed pickup truck into a fully operational recreational vehicle when installed under a camper shell. The wider version of bed transformers has a bi-folding tray for supporting a mattress that is folded out of the way such that half of the sleep area is open for the installation and use of a combination toilet and shower unit at all times. The narrower, regular ned transformer apparatus is long and narrow expanding to triple the surface area and is placed over a refrigerator and stove units. The camper kit is one of each type of bed transformer combined with a bathroom, refrigerator, and stove under a camper shell with openable sides to create short bed truck recreational vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventor: Robert Howard Carlseen
  • Patent number: 11525256
    Abstract: An enclosure member for a building structure comprising a planar laminate having a first facing layer; a layer of foam having a first face and a second opposing face; and a second facing layer; where the first facing layer is fastened to the first face of the layer of foam, and the second facing layer is fastened to the second opposing face of the layer of foam. An edge of the enclosure is provided with a perimeter structure that can perform one or more of a sealing function, an edge reinforcement function and a pivotable joining function with another enclosure, in accordance with the particular embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Build IP LLC
    Inventors: Paolo Tiramani, Galiano Tiramani, Kyle Denman
  • Patent number: 11498472
    Abstract: In a structure, for example in the form of a trailer cabin (115), which structure is advantageously provided for connection to a vehicle (103), the following are provided as sliding segments: a number of horizontal sliding segments (201) slidable in an expansion direction, vertical sliding segments (136) slidable in an extension direction at a right angle to the expansion direction, and double sliding segments (139) which are slidable both in the expansion direction and in the extension direction and which are connected to a central fixed segment (403). Thus, when the sliding segments (136, 139, 201) are transferred from a pushed-together compact position into a pulled-out expansion position, an interior space of the structure (115) can be considerably enlarged by a usable space in comparison with a minimum volume in the compact position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Inventor: Marc König
  • Patent number: 11485491
    Abstract: A mass transportation system provides an airborne passenger vehicle tethered to a host vehicle. The host vehicle traverses along a fixed route. The airborne passenger vehicle moves between a stowed position fixedly secured to the host vehicle and a deployed position in which the airborne passenger vehicle is flying above the host vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventor: Nam Kim
  • Patent number: 11440602
    Abstract: Disclosed is a utility trailer assembly capable of transitioning between a towing position and a utility position. The tow position allows for efficient transportation of the utility trailer assembly to and from various locations. In the utility position, the utility trailer assembly provides access to a plurality of storage and multi-use areas and compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventor: Timothy Josefy
  • Patent number: 11352079
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a mobile golf simulation system, more particularly, a double-bayed golf simulator apparatus mounted to a wheeled trailer that may be readily transported and deployed to remote, particularly outdoor locations. The mobile golf simulation system of the present invention is uniquely designed to include a projection system installed beneath a floating floor that, along with right and left drop-down walls, allows for the creation of an open air platform from which a user may play a realistic form of virtual golf, hitting his ball into a built-in screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: TC GLOBAL HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Tari Cash, Jim Coates
  • Patent number: 11142913
    Abstract: A balustrade apparatus for providing a balcony or increased floor space comprising a balustrade railing, a support fixing for retaining the balustrade railing in a retracted condition, a balcony platform which is pivotably engagable with the balustrade railing and an actuation means for actuating the balustrade railing between the retracted condition and an extended condition which is different to the retracted condition. In the extended condition, the balcony platform extends horizontally, with the balustrade railing being spaced apart from its position in the retracted condition to form a balcony rail for the balcony platform. The balustrade railing includes first and second railing portions which are movable relative to one another such that the balustrade railing is vertically extendible in at least the extended condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventor: Kayvon Noohi
  • Patent number: 10711473
    Abstract: Arena apparatuses for staging a sport and methods of using and constructing same. The apparatus includes a floor and a wall, a bottom end of the wall located proximal to a floor perimeter, the wall extending upwardly and outwardly from the floor perimeter's vertical plane at an angle of greater than fifteen and less than sixty degrees. Alternate apparatuses include a floor frame for supporting a covering; a wall frame for supporting the covering, a bottom end of the wall frame located proximal to a floor frame perimeter, the wall frame extending upwardly and outwardly from the vertical plane of the perimeter at an angle of greater than fifteen and less than sixty degrees; and the covering for covering the floor frame and the wall frame to form a floor and a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: KOKO SPORTS MANAGEMENT, LLC
    Inventors: Michael DePietro, Robert Bryan
  • Patent number: 10688938
    Abstract: A hitch-mounted cargo carrier designed to remove provide transport of cargo outside a vehicle. The hitch-mounted cargo carrier has a container designed to store cargo, having a base with a perimeter and a plurality of sidewalls extending therefrom. One or more lid members are attached to an upper edge of a sidewall and designed to enclose the container, such that each lid member has an upper surface designed to support cargo thereon, in addition to one or more extendable legs affixed thereon. A frame is disposed around the container and designed to support the container using a support rod. The support rod has a first section and a second section connected by an intermediate bar, wherein one end of the first section is designed to removably secure to a trailer hitch. In this way, a user is able to easily transport cargo without encumbering the space within their vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew J. Foster, John Whitmarsh
  • Patent number: 10464465
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an expandable shelter. The shelter may include a main box, a slide box, and a skirt. The main box may have a side opening. The slide box may be slidably coupled to the main box, with the slide box being slidable at least partially through the side opening of the main box. The skirt may be slidably coupled to the slide box, with the skirt being vertically slidable relative to the slide box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventor: Todd M. Huntimer
  • Patent number: 10434849
    Abstract: A van door assembly, including a header panel including a top surface and a door mechanism plate. The door mechanism plate includes a lip secured to the top surface, a plate connected to the lip, and a platform connected to the plate, wherein the platform is arranged substantially perpendicular to the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Mobility Accessories
    Inventor: James Ronald
  • Patent number: 10137820
    Abstract: An expandable habitation unit which includes a main frame and a main floor with an exposed habitation area. A rear module with a floor is located over a rear portion of the main floor. The rear module floor is connected to the main frame to allow limited movement over the rear portion of the main floor. A side module with a floor is located over a first side portion of the main floor. The first side module floor is connected to the main frame to allow limited movement over the first side portion of the main floor. Another side module has a floor located over a second side portion of the main floor. The second side module floor is connected to the main frame to allow limited movement over the second side portion of the main floor. The modules are moveable along their limited paths of travel to vary the size of the exposed habitation area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: Fernando Pellicer
  • Patent number: 9886876
    Abstract: According to principles of the embodiments as disclosed herein, a transportable roof safety training system with a trailer including a movable roof platform is provided which allows for mobile training of professionals who work on roofs. The transportable roof safety training system includes a roof platform mounted to a trailer. The roof platform may have an anti-slip coating on its upper surface and may be movable from a stowed position that has a low resistance to wind to one or more inclined positions that mimic the slope of a roof. A lift moves the roof between the various positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Pilot Catastrophe Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Todd Pierce, Charles E. Jones
  • Patent number: 9512629
    Abstract: The mobile stage framework includes a plurality of spaced-apart column structures and a first and a second self-contained unit. Both units are separated from one another when the mobile stage framework is fully disassembled for transportation. The first unit includes an articulated floor structure and the second unit includes an articulated roof structure. Both structures are in an unfolded working position when the mobile stage framework is fully assembled and are in their folded transport position when the mobile stage framework is fully disassembled for transportation. A method of handling a mobile stage framework is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: STAGELINE SCENE MOBILE INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Doucet, Andre Barrette, Marius Chouinard, Yvan Miron
  • Patent number: 9424758
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a simulated roof vertical ventilation training apparatus configured to be pivotably attached to a simulated roof. In some examples, the vertical ventilation training apparatus includes a frame pivotably mounted to an exposed rafter of the simulated roof. The frame is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The edges of the frame are configured to engage with at least one disposable support member to maintain the frame in a closed position. The disposable support member is configured to be cut by a user with a hand tool to allow pivot of the frame into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Benjamin Davis
  • Patent number: 8991890
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving a slide-out room disposed in an aperture of a side wall of a vehicle from a retracted position to an extended position in a drive direction. The apparatus includes a drive assembly supported by the side wall of the vehicle and a driven assembly driven by the drive assembly. The driven assembly is connected to a wall of the slide-out room such that the slide-out room moves with the driven assembly from the retracted position to the extended position in the drive direction and the driven assembly is movable in a transverse direction generally perpendicular to the drive direction relative to the wall of the slide-out room. The room is extended and retracted horizontally and moved between upper and lower positions vertically in a square Z or square h pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig J. Kreil
  • Patent number: 8978806
    Abstract: A telescopic frame is disclosed, which is applicable to a foldable bicycle or foldable electric vehicle, and includes a front frame, a rear frame and a telescopic device. First guide rails are symmetrically disposed on two sides of the front frame, second guide rails are symmetrically disposed on two sides of the rear frame, and the first guide rails and the second guide rails are fitted together and slidably connected. The telescopic device is fixed on the rear frame, and an output end of the telescopic device is fixed on the front frame to drive the front frame to be unfolded or folded relative to the rear frame. The telescopic frame is simple in structure and capable of being automatically folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Dongguan Prestige Sporting Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhao Zhang
  • Patent number: 8979157
    Abstract: The removable enclosure for the rear of a vehicle provides additional storage space or cover for the open rear end of a vehicle, such as an open tailgate of a pickup truck or the open hatch of an SUV. The removable enclosure includes a housing having at least one sidewall and an upper wall defining an open lower end and an open front end. An internal frame is disposed within and supports the housing. The internal frame includes at least one elastic cord extending laterally across the housing. A pair of laterally opposed diagonal supports each extend from an upper edge of the front end of the housing to a lower edge of a rear face of the at least one sidewall. The at least one elastic cord is secured to, and extends between, the pair of laterally opposed diagonal supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Charles R. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20150015017
    Abstract: A vehicle module having a height, a width and a length, front and rear vertical panels and a horizontal floor, and wherein said height and width are adjustable and the front and rear vertical panels are foldable to allow enlargement of an empty module to pass over another module. The modules are useful for transport of passengers or goods, particularly in a guided rail system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Eli BENOLIEL
  • Patent number: 8562066
    Abstract: The invention relates to a camping vehicle (150) comprising at least one vehicle wall (155), a tent construction (101) that can be folded out and has at least one individual tent wall (102), which can be converted from a stored state into an erected state and a frame construction (103). The vehicle wall or walls (155) and the tent wall or walls (102), in a design in which they adjoin one another, together form part of a delimiting wall construction, which when erected defines at least one single internal habitable area of the camping vehicle. The delimiting wall construction is provided with an inflation connection (104) and closing means (105, 106) that close respective openings (107, 117) for the habitable area or areas. According to the invention, the delimiting wall construction is designed in such a way that it can be inflated with the closing means closed from the stored state into an inflation state that temporarily occurs during the erection of the tent construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Egbert Berend Holtkamp
  • Patent number: 8550528
    Abstract: A mobile utility structure is disclosed that may include a trailer that efficiently expands to a larger usable space while allowing for improved light and visual appeal. The trailer may be usable as mobile utility structure such as a storefront. The usable space is expanded by folding side panels of the structure out and extending the multi-fold door to enclose the folded out side panels. The system enables quick and easy setup of an aesthetically appealing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sidi Spaces LLC
    Inventor: Charles Sidi
  • Patent number: 8534746
    Abstract: An aerodynamic nose cone front trailer that uses a topographical view for reference extending the trailer front all the way to the hitch. The trailer design reduces wind resistance while improving the fuel economy and improving the handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Edward John Smith
  • Patent number: 8484908
    Abstract: A mobile multi-functional shelter unit, for use as a general working area or for storing and maintaining heavy machinery. The mobile multi-functional shelter unit includes a central structure that has a deployed state and a non-deployed state as well as means for translating from the deployed state to the non-deployed state. The central structure has a base section, a central floor mounted on top of the base section, track means for raising a vehicle from a ground surface onto and off of the central floor. The central structure supports a raisable roof assembly and a lateral pullout assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: One 4 Haul Trans4mer Ltd.
    Inventor: Alcide Hache
  • Publication number: 20130106130
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving a slide-out room disposed in an aperture of a side wall of a vehicle from a retracted position to an extended position in a drive direction. The apparatus includes a drive assembly supported by the side wall of the vehicle within the aperture, and the drive assembly includes a prime mover having a brake engagable to inhibit unintentional movement of the slide-out room. A driven assembly is driven by the drive assembly. The driven assembly is connected to a wall of the slide-out room such that the slide-out room moves with the driven assembly from the retracted position to the extended position in the drive direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Leonard D. Yoder, Borivoj Krobot
  • Patent number: 8317251
    Abstract: The removable enclosure for the rear of a vehicle provides additional storage space or cover for the open rear end of a vehicle, such as an open tailgate of a pickup truck or the open hatch of an SUV. The removable enclosure includes a housing having at least one sidewall and an upper wall defining an open lower end and an open front end. An internal frame is disposed within and supports the housing. The internal frame includes at least one elastic cord extending laterally across the housing. A pair of laterally opposed diagonal supports each extend from an upper edge of the front end of the housing to a lower edge of a rear face of the at least one sidewall. The at least one elastic cord is secured to, and extends between, the pair of laterally opposed diagonal supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Charles R. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20120242103
    Abstract: A mobile utility structure is disclosed that may include a trailer that efficiently expands to a larger usable space while allowing for improved light and visual appeal. The trailer may be usable as mobile utility structure such as a storefront. The usable space is expanded by folding side panels of the structure out and extending the multi-fold door to enclose the folded out side panels. The system enables quick and easy setup of an aesthetically appealing structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Sidi Spaces LLC
    Inventor: Charles Sidi
  • Patent number: 8267454
    Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle with an expandable cargo bed, including a stationary cargo bed part serving as a bottom face and a side face of the cargo bed, a movable cargo bed part serving as the bottom face and the side face of the expanded cargo bed, and a cargo bed support mechanism for supporting the movable cargo bed part at a normal position and an expansion position set on the rear side of the normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyohito Takano, Satoshi Takaya, Kiyoaki Maeda, Kousei Hokari, Geoffrey Ewing, Junhei Asahi, Naoki Tamai, Kenji Oda
  • Patent number: 8215691
    Abstract: An improved access and retention system for sedans includes a protective cover for safeguarding a lower peripheral region of a rear cargo region while loading, unloading, and transporting cargo. The protective cover can conveniently and remotely stow within the cargo region. An integral tie-down assembly, exposed by deploying the protective cover, secures cargo loaded in the rear cargo region and cargo placed along the protective cover. The system also includes a double hinging rear closure member which has a rear facing portion which can be locked in open and closed positions. Arranging the rear facing portion in the open position is particularly advantageous for hauling oversized cargo articles which may extend from the rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Kip Alan Ewing
  • Patent number: 8141304
    Abstract: A prefabricated container house includes a container type main frame member when on a chassis capable of being pulled by a trailer truck; and dwelling forming members which can be housed in the main frame member, and which can be drawn out of the main frame member at an installation site, and assembled into a house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventors: Kangna Nelson Shen, Coen Germeraad
  • Publication number: 20110062736
    Abstract: An apparatus for tilt-able rack system especially suited for a vehicle, such as a pick-up truck. The tilting rack system includes a stationary upright support frame, and a hinged upright support, with the hinged upright mounted to the vehicle rearward of the stationary upright. A slide-able and tilt-able pair of rails mount to the support frame at the hinged and stationary uprights. As the hinged uprights lever rearward and downward, by action of a hinge at the base of each upright, the rails can slide and tilt upon a sliding hinge at the top of each stationary upright. The rearward, hinged uprights may be actuated by hydraulics, manual cranks, cables, or any other such mechanisms. The entire rail and associated frame can tilt down to the rear of the vehicle, allowing the easy placement of long items on the frame, such as ladders, pipes, boats, boards, and panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Jon E. Skoglun
  • Patent number: 7722103
    Abstract: A cabriolet motor vehicle is provided, which comprises a roof constructed from at least two roof segments, which may be brought into an open position, rear roof columns stiffened by an upper roof cross member (“Targa part”), and a rollbar (“Targa bar”) situated in the area between a front frame and the Targa part, and is distinguished in that the at least two roof segments are stackable using a movement mechanism into a roof segment stack situated between the Targa bar and the target part, and the roof segment stack is pivotable into the passenger compartment using at least one connecting rod attached to the upper roof cross member of the Targa part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus Brandel, Frank Leopold
  • Patent number: 7712820
    Abstract: A collapsible trailer including a base, a shell hingedly secured to said base, wherein said shell engages with said base to form a sealed vessel when said trailer is in a closed position, a rear wall hingedly secured to said base, wherein said rear wall is entirely contained within said shell and said base when said trailer is in said closed position, a rear deck hingedly secured to said base, wherein said deck is entirely contained within said shell and said base when said trailer is in said closed position, a coupling means secured between said rear wall and said rear deck for transferring forces between said rear deck and said rear wall, and wherein said rear wall, said shell, and said base generally define a first room when said trailer is in said open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Gordon Kyle
  • Patent number: 7644971
    Abstract: This invention relates to an expandable motor home. The motor home of this invention has a lower body portion having a first floor, a front wall, a back wall and a pair of opposite side walls. The motor home also has an upper body portion having a movable upper segment and a lower segment that is connected to the lower body portion. The lower segment has a front wall, a back wall and a pair of opposite side walls. The upper segment has a front wall, a back wall, a pair of opposite side walls, and a roof. The upper segment is movable relative to the lower segment such that the upper segment has a raised and lowered position relative to the lower body portion. The motor home may have extendable rooms in the upper segment and lower segment defining separate living areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Eric Ludwick
  • Patent number: 7575264
    Abstract: The invention provides a cargo bed structure comprising a sub-floor assembly comprising a plurality of cross members in spaced relation and a cargo bed defined by a longitudinally extending load-bearing deck overlying the sub-floor assembly and comprising a plurality of interlocking fiber reinforced polymer decking planks extending in a direction perpendicular to the cross members; an upwardly extending bulkhead assembly comprising at least one fiber reinforced polymer panel; a tailboard opposing the bulkhead and spaced apart therefrom; and two opposing upwardly-extending sidewalls, wherein each of the sidewalls and the tailboard comprise at least one fiber reinforced polymer panel pivotally mounted to the load-bearing deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg Solomon
  • Patent number: 7445271
    Abstract: A truck cab and sleeper unit are extended using a preferred stepped aerodynamic roof which at a first ceiling level corresponds to the original sleeper unit ceiling height, and which at a second ceiling level corresponds to the original sleeper unit ceiling height plus the height difference between the truck cab height and the original sleeper unit ceiling height. The original sleeper roof may be used, or a new unitary roof may be fabricated. The apparatus and method of the invention preserve all or most of the components of an original sleeper unit, while enabling rapid conversion comparable to the full replacement of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: David J. Henry
  • Patent number: 7263754
    Abstract: A truck cab and sleeper unit are extended using a preferred stepped aerodynamic roof which at a first ceiling level corresponds to the original sleeper unit ceiling height, and which at a second ceiling level corresponds to the original sleeper unit ceiling height plus the height difference between the truck cab height and the original sleeper unit ceiling height. The original sleeper roof may be used, or a new unitary roof may be fabricated. The apparatus and method of the invention preserve all or most of the components of an original sleeper unit, while enabling rapid conversion comparable to the full replacement of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: David J. Henry
  • Patent number: 7226116
    Abstract: A mobile recreational vehicle includes a body enclosing a living area designed to serve as self-contained living quarters during recreational travel. The body is supported on at least one pair of wheels (and often two or more pairs). The vehicle includes a ceiling assembly, a floor assembly; and an elongated and adjustable ceiling support extending between the ceiling assembly and the floor assembly wherein the height of the support can be adjusted during installation. In some instances, the vehicle has a shortened full length slide-out to allow for additional sidewall ceiling support, and in some instances has a slide-out opening that has cambered upper edges to minimize sagging the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Jones
  • Patent number: 7017975
    Abstract: A versatile equipment-hauling expandable shelter is disclosed configured to both provide shelter and store, transport, and launch equipment, such as motorized toys, military equipment, tools, and the like. The equipment-hauling expandable shelter includes a chassis and a shelter attached to the chassis, such as one of a tent, a container, and a cover. The shelter is configured to be stowed on the chassis at a small exterior profile size with a maximum equipment/storage volume and erected on or around the chassis into a spacious shelter with more than double the volume of the equipment/storage volume. The center roof section rises automatically by lift assemblies to provide adequate head room for standing. Drop assemblies allow for solid/sealed wheel fenders and solid inner side panel extensions which in turn provide for a continuous floor and ramps. Portable interior components provide changeable/versatile interior configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: James D. Parmer
  • Patent number: 6921120
    Abstract: The load carrying capability of a bed of a truck or the back of an SUV is increased by length and weight of the load by including a platform that is movable to the height of the wheel well so that a load that measures say, 4?×8? fits above the wheel well so that the limited space between wheel wells do not impair the load and the wheel wells absorb part of the load. In one embodiment a camming arrangement with a guide rail cam and roller followers attached to the platform place the platform in sliding relationship and raises the platform as it slides rearwardly. In another embodiment a foldable linkage is utilized to raise the platform. Jack can be employed to raise the platform and a brake is added prevent the platform from moving backwards once deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: David R. Ervin
  • Patent number: 6722726
    Abstract: The invention is a toy-hauling tent trailer, designed to store, transport, and launch motorized toys such as jet skis, snowmobiles, and all-terrain vehicles. The invention comprises a trailer chassis and a tent attached to the chassis. The tent is designed to be stowed on the chassis and erected on or around the chassis. The tent includes an interior space for containing toys in both the stowed and erected positions of the tent. Roof and floor extensions unfold to increase the interior space when the tent is erected. The center section of roof raises to provide adequate head room for standing. The floor has integral tie-down strips that also serve as flooring supports. In both the folded and unfolded state, the interior space is ventilated and drained to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Jim Parmer
  • Patent number: 6712414
    Abstract: A low profile, expandable, mobile rigid structure with unique a unique assembly and support system, that can easily be transported by an average sized vehicle. The structure features a central structure with a central roof section, a pair of endwall assemblies, and a central floor mounted to a base. The endwalls are two pieced having a bottom endwall panel and a top endwall panel. From the side of the central structure one or more side sections are retractable and expandable to increase the size of the floor space inside. The two pieced endwalls allow for compaction of the structure for travel by translating the lower portion of the endwall from supporting the upper portion. A two pieced door allows entry into the structure when it is expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Floyd L. Morrow
  • Patent number: 6698810
    Abstract: The subject of the current invention is an eight-functions-in-one truck tailgate extender. It consists of a load-carrying member positioned parallel to and proximate the upper edge of a truck tailgate with one or more telescoping assemblies connecting the load-carrying member to either the tailgate or to the truck body. Depending on the degree of extension of the telescoping assemblies, the load-carrying member may be resting on or near the top of the tailgate, or it may be extended at various lengths up to the full extension of the telescoping assemblies. A locking mechanism between the individual elements of the telescoping assemblies allows the load-carrying member to be affixed at varying distances away from the top of the tailgate. Further, the load-carrying member has a plurality of holes, or other suitable means along its length, to serve as tie-down points for various width loads. The load-carrying member can also be fitted with one or more horizontal, elongate members which serve as a bicycle rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: David A. M. Lane
  • Patent number: 6669269
    Abstract: This patent describes a platform structure, which can be used either as a stand-alone unit, or as part of the body of a wheeled vehicle such as a trailer. As part of the body of a trailer its multipurpose feature allows the trailer to be easily converted into different modes of usage including: an extended platform, a flat-bed trailer with side walls, an open-top utility box trailer, or a compact highway trailer. The highway trailer, with a compactly collapsed body equipped with a cargo-rack, is intended to offer the best possible towing performance at highway speed. The cargo-rack has a screen enclosure for the containment of small or loose cargo items. When used as a stationary platform, said structure has a center portion with adjustable leg assemblies that can support and level the entire structure above the ground. Side sections are cantilevered on opposite sides of the center portion to form extensions to the main platform area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Truc Tran-Ngoc
  • Patent number: 6601896
    Abstract: An operating mechanism for use in a vehicle having a bedroom slide out, the bedroom slide out having a platform which is movable laterally relative to a vehicle having a stationary floor. The operating mechanism laterally moves the movable room section relative to the stationary room section between a retracted position and an extended position, and has a height adjustable frame. The frame includes overlapping side members which are slidably moveable relative to each other and fastenable at two or more discrete heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy L. Nye, Robert H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6598922
    Abstract: A rack apparatus for improving the cargo carrying capacity of a pickup truck. The truck has a cab portion, a bed portion defined by a floor surface, a pair of sidewalls and a forward wall. The rack apparatus comprises a U-shaped frame having a pair of parallel side arms with a first and a second end, a cross bar attached to the first end of the arms, the U-shaped frame movable to and from a stowed-away position at a front end of the bed to a rearward position; the arms attached to the side walls of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventors: Charles H Morse, Donald N. Halgren
  • Publication number: 20020167186
    Abstract: A rack apparatus for improving the cargo carrying capacity of a pickup truck. The truck has a cab portion, a bed portion defined by a floor surface, a pair of sidewalls and a forward wall. The rack apparatus comprises a U-shaped frame having a pair of parallel side arms with a first and a second end, a cross bar attached to the first end of the arms, the U-shaped frame movable to and from a stowed-away position at a front end of the bed to a rearward position; the arms attached to the side walls of the pickup truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Charles H. Morse, Donald N. Halgren
  • Patent number: 6416101
    Abstract: A steel frame supports a trailer body which encloses a refrigerator freezer, a gas stove or grill, and storage space for a generator, LP gas tanks, and canopy components. During transport the trailer is covered by two hinged covers, and two side benches are retracted and retained elevated alongside the trailer body. In use, the covers are rotated 180 degrees about hinges to form counters for service of up to eight diners. Each bench has two legs which are slidably received within fittings on the ends of two horizontal extension members which telescope within tubular cross members mounted beneath the trailer body. The legs are elevated and held in place by spring catches. In service, the benches are extracted and lowered, and the covers deployed to define counters. A canopy has side poles which engage the ground, and bracing poles which extend from the trailer body, all being trailer stowable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: David W. Bartch
  • Patent number: 6412847
    Abstract: A motor vehicle, particularly a pickup truck type vehicle, having a rear-side cargo area which is provided with a separate cargo space module displaceably supported on the vehicle body such that it can be moved between a rear position which adjoins the rear of the cargo area and a forward position near the motor vehicle cab. The cargo space module can be supported to swing by means of a lever arrangement attached to the motor vehicle body. Preferably, the cargo space module has a fixed bottom, a fixed right-side wall, and a fixed left-side wall and is further provided with a front wall, a rear wall, and a cover, each of which is movable from an open to a closed position adjacent the cargo space module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventor: Francois De Gaillard