Abstract: A camper system is configurable between folded and expanded arrangements. The camper system includes a base frame, a floor substantially rigidly mounted to the base frame, a base wall rigidly coupled with the floor, substantially perpendicular thereto and having interior surfaces and exterior surfaces. First and second flanges project from the floor substantially perpendicular thereto and intersect at least one of the base wall interior surfaces. A first shell is pivotably coupled with the base wall along a first pivot axis. A second shell is pivotably coupled with the base wall along a second pivot axis parallel with the first pivot axis. A third shell is pivotably coupled with the base wall along a third pivot axis perpendicular to the first and second pivot axes. A fourth shell is pivotably coupled with the first and second flanges along a fourth pivot axis parallel with the third pivot axis.

Abstract: Presented are expandable compartment cover assemblies for motor vehicles, methods for making and methods for using such cover assemblies, and motor vehicles with expandable tonneau cover assemblies. Presented, for example, is an expandable cover assembly for a motor vehicle with a cargo compartment. The expandable cover assembly includes a frame section that releasably attaches to the vehicle body, and extends across some or all of the cargo compartment. The frame section has a central aperture that extends therethrough. A canopy is seated within this central aperture and at least partially surrounded by the frame section. A flexible joint attaches the canopy to the frame section such that the canopy selectively transitions between a collapsed state, whereat the canopy is a first height from the compartment floor of the cargo compartment, and an expanded state, whereat the canopy is a second height, greater than the first height, from the compartment floor.

Abstract: The collapsible shipping container (10) may comprise a base (12), a roof (14), a pair of side walls (16), a pair of end walls (18), four telescoping corner columns (20), and means such as air jacks (21) and or scissors devices (52) for elevating and lowering the roof, side walls and corner columns. Each of the end walls (18) may be movable between up and down positions, each of the side walls (16) may be formed with a plurality of longitudinally extending, overlapping panels, and the means for elevating and lowering the roof, side walls and corner columns may be operative with the end walls (18) in their down positions.

Abstract: A fully enclosed and self-propelled ice fishing house is operable from within the enclosure to control a tracked drive, a vertically movable floor, and vertical movement of an exterior auger. The movable floor may be raised for transport and lowered to the surface of the ice during fishing. The exterior auger is preferably in front of the vehicle, and a line parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle extends from the auger to a fishing opening portal in the movable floor.

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.

Abstract: An adjustable headboard for a carrier vehicle includes a hoop with a first frame member having a proximal end and a distal end, a second frame member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a connecting member extending between the distal end of the first frame member and the distal end of the second frame member. The hoop is moveable between a first position and a second position. The adjustable headboard further includes a stationary base with a first receiving channel and a second receiving channel and a retainer coupled to the hoop to secure the hoop in the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A pickup truck includes a tailgate that is movable between open and closed positions. A powered latch provides for remote release of the latches of the tailgate. The tailgate is biased from the closed position towards the open position such that release of the latch causes the tailgate to shift automatically from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: Hungry boards, or spill boards, for mounting about a tip truck load carrying body are formed with a pair of spaced apart vertical bores corresponding to and depending downward from the access cutouts. Vertical bores formed through the hungry board receive the threaded end of an anchor bolt which is welded to lip of the body. The anchor bolt comprises part of a resilient fastening system for attachment of the hungry board the anchor bolt is formed with a flat foot from which a shank extends. The shank terminates upwardly in a threaded upper end. A compression spring is located about the shank and arranged to absorb impact forces directed at the hungry board during use. The hungry boards are made of a light weight resilient material such as a tough synthetic rubber.

Abstract: A pickup truck includes a tailgate that is movable between open and closed positions. A powered latch provides for remote release of the latches of the tailgate. The tailgate is biased from the closed position towards the open position such that release of the latch causes the tailgate to shift automatically from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: An armored vehicle has a bottom section which is located on the bottom of the vehicle, at least one armored side section which is located on the side of the vehicle and an armored roof plane which is located on a roof section of the vehicle. In the region of the roof section there is at least one observation position which can be moved in translation by at least one mechanism attached to a carrier, and the observation position is made in one piece and the observation position is made of a transparent material.

Abstract: A modular ramp and cargo box extension assembly is provided for use in connection with a pickup truck cargo box. The ramp assembly has a ramp connector assembly provided on the vehicle tailgate and ramps having a connector for connecting to the ramp connector to serve as loading ramps. The ramp connector has a pivoting clevis bracket and tangs that connects into a channel on the tailgate. Vertical tracks are provided proximate walls of the cargo box and rails are provided in the tracks to retain the ramps and move between retracted and extended positions so as to extend the height of the cargo box.

Abstract: This invention is a hard sided pop-up truck camper that fits on an ordinary pickup truck. When folded down, it looks like a typical pickup truck topper and will allow the truck to fit into a garage. The folding sides take up less than 6 inches of height when folded which maximizes its use as a topper for hauling while also maximizing the vertical height when erected so it can be used as a camper. When erected, it allows a person to stand upright throughout the inside of the camper. Current hard sided pop-up truck campers are designed to extend by raising straight up mechanically, the sides do not fold down upon themselves like this invention does. Also, current hard sided pop-up truck campers in the down position typically extend above the cab of the truck making them too high to fit through a garage door.

Abstract: An armored vehicle has a bottom section which is located on the bottom of the vehicle, at least one armored side section which is located on the side of the vehicle and an armored roof plane which is located on a roof section of the vehicle. In the region of the roof section there is at least one observation position which can be moved in translation by at least one mechanism attached to a carrier, and the observation position is made in one piece and the observation position is made of a transparent material.

Abstract: A trailer that has doors and openings to hold and transport items, and can convert to a flatbed trailer with a trunk door, a flatbed front, and flatbed sides.

Abstract: An expandable trailer having a lower body portion having a first floor, a front wall, a back wall and a pair of opposite side walls. The trailer also has an upper body portion that is disposed over the lower body portion. The body portion has an upper segment and a lower segment that is connected to the lower body portion. 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 trailer may contain multiple floors defining separate living areas. The trailer may also have expandable rooms in the lower body portion which are slidingly retained within the lower body portion and provide additional room within the lower body portion.

Abstract: A lift mechanism for raising and lowering a movable roof on a recreational vehicle. The lift mechanism includes a base, a drive assembly attached to the base, and an elevation assembly attached to the base and configured for cooperation with the drive assembly. The elevation assembly is configured to operate between a lowered position and a raised position to provide vertical movement to the movable roof.

Abstract: A system for extending and retracting a folding trailer. The trailer has a movable top extending from a base, and a plurality of extendible supports mounted on the base and connected to the top. A drive including an electric motor extends and retracts the extendible supports in unison to extend and retract the top. A controller is provided for the drive, the controller having a motor load monitor having both an ultimate load detector and a calculated load detector. In extending and retracting the top, the load of the electric motor is regularly monitored, and is first compared with an ultimate load threshold. The motor is stopped if the ultimate load threshold is met or exceeded. The monitored load is also compared with a stall load threshold, and the motor remains in operation until the stall load threshold is met or exceeded.

Abstract: A system for reducing the air resistance of a truck, particularly an articulated vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises a cargo space that is limited downward by a loading floor and in the height thereof by a roof wall spaced apart therefrom. The aim is to provide a system that minimizes the face area of the truck and thus the fuel consumption in dependence on the actual cargo space used. According to one embodiment, the roof wall is height-adjustable opposite the loading floor.

Abstract: A surveillance module may be deployed from a vehicle. The vehicle to deploy the surveillance module includes a first portion configured to accommodate a user to operate the vehicle. A second portion includes a module configured to accommodate the user and comprising a roof and an entrance accessible through an interior of the vehicle from the first portion. The second portion also includes a lifting mechanism coupled to the module and operable to move the module vertically from a retracted position to an extended position. A third portion defines an opening to accommodate the module, wherein the roof of the module couples to a periphery of the opening in the retracted position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof is provided that includes, but is not limited to a base roof and a roof segment. The roof segment is adjustable relative to the base roof. In a closed state, the roof segment fits tightly with the base roof. When opened, the roof segment is arranged to provide a space between itself and the base roof. A spoiler is provided that is connected to and adjustable relative to the base roof and kinematically connected to the roof segment in such a way that, with movement of the spoiler, the roof segment can be opened and closed. Additional storage space for the placement of baggage is formed when the roof is in an opened state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing drag in vehicles, typically trucks, such as tractor-trailers, have moveable moving drag reducing apparatus. This movable drag reducing apparatus is for movement into and out of various positions, in accordance with the location of the vehicle with respect to its distance from an obstacle.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a roof panel, a front structural support member and an optional extension member. The front structural support member includes a first A-pillar attachment end, a second A-pillar attachment end, a front edge extending between the first and second A-pillar attachment ends and a rear edge extending between the first and second A-pillar attachment ends. In a first configuration, the roof panel attaches to the front edge and also to another region of the front structural support member. In a second vehicle configuration, the extension member is attached a rear edge of the front structural support member and extends to a position on the roof panel that is located vertically above the front structural support member when the front structural support member is in an installed orientation.

Abstract: An insert apparatus for a preexisting cart. The insert apparatus includes a support structure having a base portion and a containment portion with an inner area. The base portion operatively engages the preexisting cart. A retaining element is provided and in operative communication with the containment portion of the support structure. The retaining element retains a material within the inner area of the containment portion of the support structure.

Abstract: A vehicle body basically has a first body panel section, a second body panel section, an expandable body panel section and an actuation device. The first and second body panel sections have first and second exterior surfaces. The expandable body panel section has a third exterior surface disposed between the first and second exterior surfaces of the first and second body panel sections to form a contiguous vehicle exterior. The actuation device is operatively coupled to at least one of the body panel sections to move the first body panel section with respect to the second body panel by stretch the expandable body panel section from a first surface area with the first body panel section being in a first location to a second larger surface area with the first body panel section being in a second location.

Abstract: An interior space expansion system for use with a structure needing collapsible and/or expandable space, including: a base structure having an aperture therethrough; a movable structure disposed within a central region of the base structure when in a sunken position and substantially exterior the base structure when in an elevated position; and a lifting system coupled to the base structure and the movable structure. The base structure is a trailer or recreational vehicle. The movable structure includes a cab a carriage and a footing. The lifting system couples to the footing and transitions the movable structure between the sunken and elevated positions. The lifting system is not substantially disposed within the central region of the base structure when the movable structure is in the elevated position. There is a cap member for covering the aperture when the movable structure is in the sunken position.

Abstract: A military vehicle configured for transport by cargo aircraft. The vehicle has a cab portion that can be reduced in height by removing and/or collapsing and/or telescoping various components of the cab, such as the doors, roof, roll bar, windshield, and/or steering column.

Abstract: A truck bed camper shell and hard tonneau cover device is provided which is activated for movement between a raised truck bed camper shell position and a lowered hard tonneau cover position by remote activation of actuators such as pneumatics or hydraulic cylinders or a screw drive mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slide-out mechanism that adjusts the elevation of a slide-out room relative to the main body of a vehicle. In one preferred embodiment, the slide-out mechanisms includes an acme screw elevator on a telescoping support arm below the slide-out room. As the slide-out room extends or retracts, the acme screw elevator increases or decreases the height of the slide-out room so as to allow full retraction within the vehicle body and complete level extension.

Abstract: A horizontal bed cover lift system for a vehicle having a hard tonneau cover, a unitary lift and an optional controller is provided. The unitary lift has a lift member that connects to an upper member and the upper member is connected to the cover. The lift member may retractably position the cover upwardly and the lift member may swivel the cover about the unitary lift. The unitary lift is also connected to a lower member that may be connected to the cargo area of a vehicle. In another embodiment the lower member is connected to the floor of a pick-up bed. Also, the optional controller is for controlling the unitary lift, whereby the controller may positionably control the unitary lift retractably raising the cover to an indicated height and whereby the controller may positionably control the lift member to swivel about the unitary lift when the cover is above a clearance height.

Abstract: FIGS. 3a and 3b show two side elevation views of a vehicle passenger cabin defining a passenger space wherein are featured an actuation device, generally designated 2, balancing gas springs, generally designated 65, pivoting hinge member 4, inner weather seal 50, outer weather seal 51 and draught proof brush seal 62. In view generally designated 3a, a pivoting extension member 3 is shown in the retracted position for on-road driving. In view generally designated 3b, a pivoting extension member 3 is shown in the extended position for passenger access and use.

Abstract: A vehicle cap power transfer assembly and method are disclosed for transferring electrical power from lights on the cab of a vehicle to lights on or in a cap which is installed upon a section of the vehicle. Plugs are provided on one end of electrical conductors. The plugs are constructed to be received into the bulb sockets of brake and cargo space illumination lights on the rear of the vehicle cab. The other ends of the conductors are connected to an elevated brake light on the rear of the cap and illumination lights on the interior of the cab, respectively. The electrical conductors are also coupled together by a quick disconnect coupler to facilitate the installation and removal of the cap and the coupling and uncoupling of the electrical conductors.

Abstract: A collapsible upright wall extends the height of the sides on the load hauling box on a truck. The collapsible upright wall comprises a fabric which when vertically stretched provides adequate resistance to substantial lateral load. A method of increasing the volumetric capacity of the box on a truck comprises the steps of: a) providing a rectangular frame above, and dimensioned to seat adjacent to an open top side portion of the load hauling box on the truck; b) providing a substantial lift mechanism to uniformly lift the rectangular frame above the box; and, c) providing and attaching an elongate strip of fabric having a top elongate side portion peripherally attached to the rectangular frame, and a bottom elongate side portion peripherally attached to the open top side portion of the box. Then when the rectangular frame is lifted to an upper operable position the fabric is stretched taut and is thereby able to sustain significant lateral load.

Abstract: A cableless power lift assembly for raising and lowering the roof structure or camper top of a pop-up camper includes an elongated drive housing mounted to the base of a pop-up camper and a pair of aligned left and right threaded screw drives mounted in the drive housing for rotatable movement therein. A motor is attached to the left and right screw drives for rotatably driving the screw drives to raise the camper top upon actuation of said motor in a first direction and lower the camper top upon actuation of the motor in an opposite second direction. In addition, collapsible lifting apparatus is also provided for moving the camper top between a generally horizontal lowered or collapsed position and a generally horizontal raised or extended position. In a preferred embodiment, an air conditioning unit is mounted in the camper top.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a unit utilized in the practice of outdoor sports, specifically, but not solely, for stalking and legally hunting animals. Specifically it refers to an automatically and reversibly transformable trailer-to-raised lookout platform from which the animals may be observed for the purpose of filming them, photographing them or hunting them. It is characterized by consisting of a cube-shaped structure with at least one set of wheels and a hitch for connecting it to a towing vehicle, with a roof made up of a platform and an awning which may be raised and lowered by means of telescoping arms located in each corner and activated by an elevation system which raises the platform above the trailer thus forming the floor of an observation and lookout cabin, as well as the awning which at the same time is raised above the platform making between the awning and the platform means for covering the side opening of the cabin.

Abstract: A high roof structure of a vehicle includes a high roof formed from a RFP (Fiber Reinforced Plastics) with good durability, forming properties, and a reinforced structure is integrally installed using a predetermined adhering member and engaging member. No welding is needed. An indoor height of a vehicle is increased to a desired size and a desired indoor floor space index is obtained.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a lifting the top of a mobile housing includes a first and second pairs of push-pull springs. The springs are connected to an drive assembly and to the top. The drive assembly includes a threaded shaft having a threaded block which travels thereon and a cable associated therewith. When the threaded shaft is rotated, the push-pull springs move. A pulley structure is provided for allowing adjustment of the position of the first pair of springs relative to the second pair of springs.

Abstract: An improved camper shell that is collapsible and portable. The shell consists of a cover that is positioned over a shell frame. The shell frame is formed by a plurality of components, preferably formed of steel, that are fitted together for use and that may be stored within the cover when not in use. The main frame components include bottom supports, vertical supports coupled thereto, and cross-members. Preferably, the bottom supports and cross-members are adjustable in length, to fit a plurality of truck bed sizes. The frame preferably angles downward from rear to front, for drainage and other purposes.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle with a tailgate, which can be provided in a variety of vehicles without being restricted by e.g., the sizes of the vehicles, thus considerably improving usability. The tailgate is comprised of a first tailgate having one end thereof mounted on the rear end of a bed, and a second tailgate extending from the other end of the first tailgate. A tailgate telescoping device drives the second tailgate to move in a direction toward the one end of the first tailgate.

Abstract: A truck storage rack system that allows quick assembly and disassembly of the rack having a minimum number of components. The rack includes side panels that contain tall or bulky materials during transport. The rack includes collapsible support members that locks the rack in place and protects the rear cab window. The support members easily lock unto the side panels allowing full storage capacity for the truck bed.

Abstract: A platform, such as a deck plate or step, for attachment to a support on an over the highway truck or tractor. The platform includes a plate having an upper surface and a lower surface. A plurality of elongated members extend from the lower surface. A plurality of hooks are defined on end portions of the elongated members. The hooks secure the platform to the support.

Abstract: A convertible cargo bed cover can function as both a tonneau cover and a cargo bed cap. The cover is raised by motorized elements to be substantially aligned with a roof of a passenger cabin of the vehicle. Side and rear window panels stored inside the cover can be installed to transform the cover to a cap to enlarge available enclosed cargo space. Rear pillars are installed at the rear corners of the tonneau cover in its raised position to complete the installation.

Abstract: A platform, such as a deck plate or step, for attachment to a support on an over the highway truck or tractor. The platform includes a plate having an upper surface and a lower surface. A plurality of elongated members extend from the lower surface. A plurality of hooks are defined on end portions of the elongated members. The hooks secure the platform to the support.

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.

Abstract: An expandable camper shell for a pickup truck which includes a cover that is to be movable from a lower position to a raised position with the cover assuming a tilted configuration relative to the bed of the pickup truck. When in the maximum raised position additional head room is provided for any individuals located within the internal compartment located between the cover and the bed. When the cover is in the maximum raised position, there is provided a gap area with this gap area to be closable by a removable, double-thickness, fabric, insert assembly. A shock strut assembly is mounted between the cover and the bed that will maintain the cover in the maximum raised position after it is manually raised.

Abstract: A motor coach is provided as well as a method of manufacturing a luxury motor coach conversion from a semi tractor, for example, a class 8 sleeper. The motor coach utilizes the sleeper portion of the original truck body and includes a rear body portion that is mounted to a frame of the tractor rearwardly of the sleeper portion. In an embodiment, the motor coach is manufactured by removing a significant portion of a rear panel of the sleeper portion, mounting the rear body against the sleeper, and securing a flange over a seam between the rear body and the sleeper. In an embodiment, the motor coach has multiple occupiable levels including an elevated level and a lower level which has a sunken floor that is vertically lower than the truck frame. Optionally, the motor coach includes a garage having a tiltable floor that supports an auxiliary vehicle during travel and pivots to slope downwardly for loading and unloading the auxiliary vehicle.

Abstract: A truck bed cover which utilizes two legs which are swivelly mounted to the bed of the truck. In an open position, the cover is raised and extends over the rear tail-gate of the bed; in a closed position, the cover encloses the bed and is secured to the bed using a locking mechanism located at the front of the bed.

Abstract: A cargo bed cover is provided for enclosing the cargo bed of a vehicle. A generally planar outer frame is mounted to the cargo bed, and two generally planar inner frames are connected with hinges to the outer frame for pivoting relative to the outer frame. The inner frames are moveable between a position with the inner frame generally parallel to the outer frame and a position with the inner frame at an angle relative to the outer frame. A generally planar cover panel is connected with a hinge to each inner frame for pivoting relative to the inner frame between a position with the cover panel is generally parallel to the inner frame and a position with the cover panel is at an angle relative to the inner frame. Each cover panel is slidingly connected to the inner frame for sliding relative to the inner frame.

Abstract: A retractable tarpaulin that can cover the cargo of truck, either partially or entirely. This system comprises a pair of posts that slide in notches at the periphery of a trailer flat bed, at the desired position according to the size of the cargo to cover. The width is also adjustable and includes an overhang of up to 12″ on either side. The length may be reduced or extended at both front end and aft end if needed. The height of these posts can be adjusted to adapt to the cargo. A series of cables covers the distance from one post to the other to support the tarpaulin and a drum arrangement stretches the cables to provide tightness to support the tarpaulin. As the tarp is retracted a number of rings attached to the tarp are successively engaged in a cantilever hanger to keep the tarp in a small storage when not in use.

Abstract: Horizontal members have hollow interior spaces to receive vertical members and other horizontal members therein to stack the horizontal members with a low profile on the sides of the truck in a retracted position. Vertical members have a pivot at one end and a pair of pins at the other end slidable in horizontal grooves in the horizontal members. The vertical members pivot up spacing the horizontal members apart to form vertical side cargo support side walls. Cross braces at each end provide structural stability between the walls. Vertical braces at each end lock the verticals upright.

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.