By Changing Height Patents (Class 296/26.04)
  • Patent number: 6588819
    Abstract: A molded truck shell is provided having side walls hinged along the top of the shell, thus allowing the entire side wall to pivot upwardly and outwardly, providing increased access to cargo stored in a truck bed. Additional lateral seams between the side wall and shell are located on the front and rear of the shell rather than on the side of the shell thereby further increasing the opening into the truck bed and creating a visually clean appearance. Water penetrating through the side wall hinge line is directed away from the interior of the truck bed by a moisture flange that conducts the water to the exterior of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: David C. Block
  • Patent number: 6581999
    Abstract: The volume capacity of a hook lift or roll-off truck container body is increased temporarily by vertical extension of the container body's walls and rear door. The extension includes three walls and another door which are firmly attached to the top edges of the container body's walls and doors. The extension is conveniently secured to the body and the doors of the body and the extension open and latch in concert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Chapman
  • Publication number: 20030098590
    Abstract: A vertical truck bed extender is described herein. Said vertical truck bed extender lengthens the height of the perimeter walls of a truck bed. The vertical truck bed extender is preferably constructed of aluminum and is removable and reusable. It includes four separate panels that are attached to one another as well as directly to the truck bed walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: John J. Chechuck
  • Patent number: 6565143
    Abstract: In a vehicle of a size of approximately a one-box car, a camping car which can be used also for transportation such as regular commutation, shopping and so on based on the ability of setting up a portion or entirety of a roof portion of the vehicle higher than a normal running state for ensuring a life space within the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Shinichi Okamoto
  • Patent number: 6474027
    Abstract: A mobile aircraft hangar designed to provide a temporary enclosed working environment for workers performing aircraft maintenance, evaluation and support. The hangar includes a mobile housing assembly designed to enclose a section of the wing or fuselage of an aircraft. The housing assembly is assembled over a chassis with four wheels and steering mechanism that enables the housing assembly to be easily driven around an aircraft. The housing assembly includes one end wall and two vertical side walls, forming a three-sided enclosing structure. Formed on the housing assembly opposite the end wall is a main opening through which a section of the fuselage or wing may extend. The housing assembly also includes moveable floor panels that can be arranged in different configurations for working on different sections of the aircraft. Optional lift actuators are provided which enable the housing assembly to be raised or lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Michael S. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6467830
    Abstract: A self-contained toolbox adapted for use in the bed of a truck. The toolbox covering at least a major portion of the bed of the truck. The toolbox including an external box and an internal box having an interior opening. The internal box fitting within the external box and being movable from a first position where the external box covers at least some of the access to the interior opening of the internal box, and a second position, above the external box, where the external box does not inhibit access to the interior opening of the internal box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Richard J. Cortright
  • Patent number: 6439646
    Abstract: A soft shell camper top for use on pickup truck cargo compartments is disclosed. The invention consists of a space frame and a flexible outer covering. The frame is removably attachable to the pickup truck bed and includes provisions for the attachment of a roof rack. The outer covering includes front and rear curtains and side curtains. The curtains may be securely fixed to attachments on the frame to protect cargo from the elements or may be rolled up to facilitate easy access to the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Charles S. Cornelius
  • Patent number: 6428079
    Abstract: A foldable canopy that, when unfolded, encloses the rear section of a motor vehicle. The canopy comprises two folding, longitudinally aligned canopy members pivotally connected to the opposite sides of the motor vehicle. Each canopy member includes a lower planar member pivotally connected with hinges. The upper and lower planar members are selectively stowed in a stacked, vertical position along the outer sides of the motor vehicle. During use, the lower planar member is raised into a vertical orientation and the upper planar members are extended transversely over the center axis of the bed of the motor vehicle. Two rotating bracing members connect the two upper planar members to the rear surface of the motor vehicle's cab. A horizontally disposed support member also attaches to the rear surface of the motor vehicle's cab to support the front edges of the upper planar members. A water resistant seal is created between the adjoining edges of the upper planar members to prevent water leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Bryce Van Dyke
  • Publication number: 20020096902
    Abstract: A flexible pick-up box enclosable liner for use in a motor vehicle having a pick-up box rear compartment. The flexible pick-up box liner includes an enclosable liner arranged to form a base portion, several sidewalls, and an upper portion, which collectively define an internal compartment, as well as an adjustable fastener system for selectively reducing and expanding the volume of the internal compartment. The liner preferably includes several fasteners for attaching the liner to a pick-up box, and a structural support system for retaining the upper portion of the liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Oswald, Del C. Schroeder, John Sabol, William W. Doolittle III
  • Publication number: 20020032993
    Abstract: A mobile aircraft hangar designed to provide a temporary enclosed working environment for workers performing aircraft maintenance, evaluation and support. The hangar includes a mobile housing assembly designed to enclose a section of the wing or fuselage of an aircraft. The housing assembly is assembled over a chassis with four wheels and steering mechanism that enables the housing assembly to be easily driven around an aircraft. The housing assembly includes one end wall and two vertical side walls, forming a three-sided enclosing structure. Formed on the housing assembly opposite the end wall is a main opening through which a section of the fuselage or wing may extend. The housing assembly also includes moveable floor panels that can be arranged in different configurations for working on different sections of the aircraft. Optional lift actuators are provided which enable the housing assembly to be raised or lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventor: Michael S. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6343826
    Abstract: An auxiliary load supporting apparatus for a vehicle having a front and a rear and a left and right sidewall, comprising: a first base mounted to said left sidewall and extending upward therefrom to a desired height, between six inches and 50 inches above said left sidewall; a second base mounted to said right sidewall and extending upward therefrom to a desired height, between six inches and 50 inches above said right sidewall; a first framework mounted to said first base and extending rearward therefrom away from the left sidewall; a second framework mounted to said second base and extending rearward therefrom away from the right sidewall; a transom extending from the first framework to the second framework rearward from the rear. A third support point is defined by the angle between the transom and the truck bed by the tailgate of the truck so that the transom does not need to take all of the support of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Jerry Bohannon
  • Patent number: 6332637
    Abstract: A rack for securing cargo to a vehicle, the rack comprising: first and second base rails attached to the vehicle; first and second collapsible post having first and second hinge ends and first and second slide ends, wherein the first and second hinge ends are rotatably attached to the first base rail by first and second hinge joints, respectively; a first support rail slidably connected to the first and second slide ends of the first and second collapsible posts by first and second slide joints, respectively, whereby rotation of the first and second collapsible posts about the first and second hinge joints moves the first support rail between support and collapse positions; third and fourth collapsible post having third and fourth hinge ends and third and fourth slide ends, wherein the third and fourth hinge ends are rotatably attached to the second base rail by third and fourth hinge joints, respectively; a second support rail slidably connected to the third and fourth slide ends of the third and fourth coll
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Marshall Robert Chambers
  • Patent number: 6325447
    Abstract: An electric lift camper top is provided for covering a rectangular head clearance opening (31) in a vehicle top structure for camper modification. The camper top consists of a bottom frame (32), including compression springs (38), attached to the vehicle surrounding the opening with a top frame (42) which is in turn attached to the compression springs urging the frames apart. A roof (54) is attached onto the top frame covering the opening in the vehicle. A flexible wall (58) is attached to both the top and bottom frame, securing them together forming a sealed enclosed area, when extended, to allow head room within the vehicle interior. Raising and lowering linkage means, employing front and rear connecting arms (78) and (80) are also jointly attached to the top and bottom frame. Electric drive means, in the form of an electric motor (82) and worm gear (84), are attached to the linkage such that the connecting arms are angularly separated raising or lowering the roof electrically using vehicle electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Ming C. Kuo
  • Patent number: 6322127
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cover for a semi-trailer vehicle having a cargo support surface bordered by a pair of longitudinal edge regions. The cover has a roof and a pair of side walls forming a cargo receiving passage there between; each of the pair of side walls terminating at a longitudinal free edge region to expose the cargo receiving passage to the cargo support surface. A lifting arrangement lifts the cover between a first position above the cargo support surface and a second position in abutment with the cargo support surface. Couplings removably couple each of the longitudinal free edge regions to a corresponding longitudinal edge region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventors: Patrick Masterson, Mark Newman
  • Patent number: 6311434
    Abstract: A mobile aircraft hangar designed to provide a temporary enclosed working environment for workers performing aircraft maintenance, evaluation and support. The hangar includes a mobile housing assembly designed to enclose a section of the wing or fuselage of an aircraft. The housing assembly is assembled over a chassis with four wheels and steering mechanism that enables the housing assembly to be easily driven around an aircraft. The housing assembly includes one end wall and two vertical side walls, forming a three-sided enclosing structure. Formed on the housing assembly opposite the end wall is a main opening through which a section of the fuselage or wing may extend. The housing assembly also includes moveable floor panels that can be arranged in different configurations for working on different sections of the aircraft. Optional lift actuators are provided which enable the housing assembly to be raised or lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Michael S. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6302475
    Abstract: A reconfigurable, dual level trailer has a fixed length, a variable width, a variable height and a longitudinal axis. The trailer includes a lower body portion supported on a set of wheels and having a front wall, a back wall and a pair of opposite side wall. An upper body portion is disposed upon the lower body portion and has a fixed lower segment which telescopically fits within a movable upper segment. 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 and opposite side portions in the form of continuous windows along the entire length of the trailer and a roof. A horizontal partition extends along the length of the trailer between the upper body portion and the lower body portion to define an upper level and a lower level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6227592
    Abstract: A truck bed cover secured to a bed of a truck is described which utilizes two leg assemblies which are connected to the bed of the truck. The cover is swivelly connected to these leg assemblies allowing the cover to be raised or lowered. In an up position, the cover is locked in position using a locking bar from the cover to the rear-most leg assembly; in a down position, the cover is locked to the bed of the truck using engagement studs positioned near the cab of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Gary W. Thacker
  • Patent number: 6213530
    Abstract: An auxiliary load supporting apparatus for a vehicle having a front and a rear and a left and right sidewall, comprising: a first base mounted to said left sidewall and extending upward therefrom to a desired height, between six inches and 50 inches above said left sidewall; a second base mounted to said right sidewall and extending upward therefrom to a desired height, between six inches and 50 inches above said right sidewall; a first framework mounted to said first base and extending rearward therefrom away from the left sidewall; a second framework mounted to said second base and extending rearward therefrom away from the right sidewall; a transom extending from the first framework to the second framework rearward from the rear. A third support point is defined by the angle between the transom and the truck bed by the tailgate of the truck so that the transom does not need to take all of the support of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Jerry W. Bohannon
  • Patent number: 6209944
    Abstract: A stowable top or cover mounted on an open bed of a truck, such as a pickup truck, using lift frames and actuators in a manner to be raised above the bed. The cover and lift frames include attachment channels for connecting a flexible tent-like enclosure thereto such that the enclosure can be attached thereto after the cover is raised. The flexible enclosure can comprise a camper enclosure that encloses the truck bed and also optionally can extend beyond the truck bed to form additional sitting and sleeping rooms supported on separate portable tent-type posts and platforms. A flexible awning enclosure can be attached to the raised cover and lift frames to form an awning that extends beyond the truck bed supported on separate tent-type posts to provide a covered area for on-site work/commercial/recreational activities. An office enclosure can be attached to the raised cover and lift frames to form an office or meeting room where job-site work/meetings and the like can be conducted protected from the weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventors: Charles R. Billiu, David P. Piontek, George W. Klein
  • Patent number: 6196604
    Abstract: A removable and raisable roof attached to four upright supports is mounted on an open bed trailer. Two supports are located on the left and right corners of the forward edge of the trailer; the other two supports are similarly located at the rear corners of the trailer. No side supports are necessary. Using elevating means within the supports, which can operate independently or in tandem, the front and/or rear portions of the roof can be raised and lowered separately. Using external attachable fixtures and ground mounted supports, each of the roof supports can be lifted from their mounted position on the trailer bed and the trailer driven out from under the supports and roof assembly, converting a covered van to a fully open van. If a fully enclosed trailer is desired, then tarpaulin, or other readily removable wall materials can be suspended from the roof and attached to the trailer bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: California Cedar Products
    Inventors: Raymond Karl Hoh, Lawrence Ralph Parks