Abstract: A kit that permits the conversion of a standard two-seat cart into a four-seat cart, with all passengers facing forward. The kit comprises an extension body member having two seats mounted thereon. An extension frame structure includes a pair of horizontally-extending, parallel beams, which frame structure and beams are mounted to the bottom surface of the extension body member. The beams are spaced apart a predetermined distance so that they can respectively abut the frame of a standard two-seat cart. The body portion is designed with wheel wells to accommodate the rear wheels of the cart.

Abstract: A vehicle having a cargo extender mounted to a rear portion thereof, preferably a minivan or a sport utility vehicle, is provided. The cargo extender is preferably slidable between a retracted position stowed in an aesthetically-pleasing manner within the rear portion of the vehicle and an extended position where any contents of the extender can be accessed. Further, the cargo extender can be pivoted to different angular positions (as opposed to the generally horizontal position in which it is stored) to provide additional functionality thereto.

Abstract: A transport system having a chassis; a body mounted on the chassis, where the body includes a cabin for transporting at least one passenger; a cabin for the driver; a tandem coupled to the chassis; a drop frame secured to the chassis where the drop frame is below and behind the tandem; and a fifth wheel secured to the drop frame. In various embodiments, the driver cabin and the passenger cabin together form a unitary compartment.

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.

Abstract: A portable component assembly device for extending the length of the pickup bed for hauling objects longer than the bed of the pickup is adapted to the receiver hitch attached to the rear end of a pickup with a primary support bar inserted within the receiver hitch with a first upright horizontal support bar extending upward from the primary support bar beyond the tailgate to support objects up to ten feet in length with a second upright horizontal support bar connected to the primary bar having a second upright horizontal support bar extending upward from the secondary support bar to support objects longer than ten feet. Each first and second upright horizontal support bar includes a set of adjustable width anchor chocks attached to each support bar, with the second upright horizontal support bar including running lights with brake and turn indicators connected to the vehicle wiring system by a wiring harness.

Abstract: A tailgate structural configuration accommodates the housing of a supplemental tailgate internally within the tailgate. The tailgate is formed with an outer panel and an inner panel to define an internal cavity. The upper portion of the tailgate includes a C-channel frame member connected to both the inner and outer panels to support guide tubes telescopically housing the supplemental tailgate. To enhance structural stability, the tailgate further includes one or two transversely oriented strainers having formed therein flanged depressions or openings for the passage of the guide tubes vertically therethrough. Each guide tube is affixed to a mounting bracket that is detachably connected to the C-channel to support the guide tube within the tailgate. Positioning pins mounted on the mounting bracket affixed to the guide tubes engage locator holes in the C-channel for positioning the supplemental tailgate.

Abstract: A multi-functional cargo area assembly for a cargo bed of a vehicle includes a first and a second sidewall disposed in a transversely spaced relationship, and an integrally formed guide track in the first and second sidewalls. The cargo area assembly also includes extendible sidewall portions. The cargo area assembly further includes a movable divider panel supported with the guide track by a support rod, and extending transversely between the first and second sidewalls, wherein the divider panel includes a positioning mechanism for fixedly locating the divider panel.

Abstract: A lock rod support member can be stowed within a support tube housed in the body of the pick-up truck on which a supplemental tailgate assembly to be deployable from the tailgate structure of the pick-up truck. The support tube for the lock rod can be mounted internally of the D-pillar of the pick-up truck body with the lock rod extendible therefrom, or mounted beneath the top rail of the pick-up truck bed from which the lock rod can be extended, for engagement with the deployed supplemental tailgate assembly. A stop bracket positioned at the end of the lock rod support tube engages and positions the formed distal end of the lock rod for appropriate positioning for engagement with the supplemental tailgate assembly. A spring latch mechanism is mounted on the opposing ends of the supplemental tailgate structure for clasping the insertion end of the lock rod members.

Abstract: The module is extended to extend the body (10) of said vehicle by being fastened thereto. It is also designed to support rear doors (14) and a rear bumper. It comprises a frame of plastics material (24) including fastener means for fastening to the body and fastener means (28) to the doors (14). It further comprises extenders (26) for extending side rails (20) of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed extension device useable to increase the load bearing capacity of a vehicle cargo bed. The vehicle cargo bed extension device includes a rectangular deck attachable to a rectangular open deck frame having a rear beam and a front beam attached by side beams. A support frame having a horizontal attachment post for attaching the support frame to a trailer hitch supports the deck frame. A rear vertical post extends downwardly from the center rear of the deck frame to the rearward section of the horizontal attachment post. A front vertical post extends downwardly from the center of the deck frame front beam to a forward section of the horizontal attachment post, and outwardly inclined side bracing beams extend from the sides of the support beam to the side edges of the deck frame.

Abstract: A truck bed partitioning and extension device for use on a bed of a pickup truck is disclosed. The truck bed partitioning and extension device includes a transverse panel having a pair of ends and a pair of side panels. At least one of the side panels is attached to the ends of the transverse panel through a double hinge. The double hinge allows folding along a pair of generally parallel axes that allow the pivoting of the side panel along a first axis that allows the side panel to pivot to a position next to the transverse panel and pivoting of the side panel about a second axis that positions the side panel at a distance from the transverse panel.

Abstract: A sliding bed extender arrangement is provided that basically has a vehicle cargo area, a pair of roller tracks, a pair of mounting arrangements and a bed extender. Each of the mounting arrangements has a pair of rolling members and a locking mechanism that are disposed in one of the roller tracks. Each of the mounting locking mechanism has a locking member slideably disposed in one of the roller tracks and a first hand operating portion operatively coupled to the locking member to selectively lock the mounting arrangement. The sliding bed extender has a generally U-shape as viewed from above with first and second side ends rigidly attached to the mounting arrangements to extend across the vehicle cargo area.

Abstract: A disclosed loading and unloading system for a truck having a bed includes a ramp, a first storage compartment formed under the bed and receiving the ramp, a ramp mounting assembly for mounting the ramp such that the ramp can be moved from a stored position to an extended position, a tailgate, a second storage compartment formed under the first storage compartment and receiving the tailgate, and a tailgate mounting assembly for mounting the tailgate such that the tailgate can be moved from an upright position to a lowered position, and to a retracted position. In the stored position the ramp is positioned within the first storage compartment. In the extended position the ramp extends outwardly from the first storage compartment through an opening. The tailgate blocks the first compartment opening in the upright position, and does not block the first compartment opening in the retracted position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a transformable vehicle body having a first body configuration and a second body configuration. The first body configuration resembles a wagon-style vehicle that includes a fully enclosed passenger space and cargo area. The second body configuration resembles a pickup truck that includes a contracted enclosed passenger space and an open cargo area behind the contracted enclosed passenger space.

Abstract: An arrangement for expanding a cargo box of a pick-up truck vehicle is provided. The arrangement includes a wall that defines a cabin space on an internal side and a cargo box end on an external side, and the wall is arranged to be translateable from a first position to a second position. A latch mechanism is provided and attached to the wall. The latch mechanism is arranged to maintain the wall in the first position. A release mechanism is coupled to the latch mechanism and arranged to selectively release the wall from the first position such that the wall can translate into the cabin and towards a front of the vehicle to a second position and extend a length of the cargo box.

Abstract: A combination bed extension/ramp structure for attachment to a sleeve-hitch of a truck, the structure comprising a non-revolving-hitch attachment member; a rear rectangular panel pivotally connected to the non-revolving-hitch attachment member to pivot around a first substantially horizontal axis from a first substantially upright position to a second position, wherein the rear panel is acting as a ramp between a rear panel-ground contact point and the plane of the non-revolving-hitch attachment member; a front rectangular panel pivotally connected to the rear panel at an intermediate point whereby when the rear panel is in the first position, the front panel is positioned substantially horizontal; whereby when the rear panel pivots from the first position to the second position, the front panel pivots relative to the rear panel around a second substantially horizontal axis and moves from the horizontal position to an inclined position that complements the inclination of the rear panel in the second position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle, especially a passenger utility vehicle, e.g., a station wagon or SUV with a cargo space (3) which is located in the rear (2) of the vehicle, a cargo floor (16) which can be extended rearward, a cargo space door (44) for opening and closing the rear cargo space opening, and at least one roof movable panel for opening and closing a roof opening, in which a continuous opening combining the rear cargo space opening and the roof opening is formed when both the at least one rear roof panel and the cargo space door are in their open positions. In one advantageous embodiment, the cargo space door (44) is mounted to the vehicle body by a four bar mechanism for movement outward and downward from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A truck bed extender is attached to a tail gate by mounting brackets. The mounting brackets attach to the tail gate only, and require absolutely no alterations to the truck bed. The truck bed extender may be easily removed by removing two pins or may be folded against the tail gate for minimum intrusion into the truck bed when the tail gate is closed. A telescoping back section may be adjusted for various truck bed widths. Corners of the truck bed extender are squared off to maximize use of the extended truck bed.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate extension apparatus comprises a tailgate extender, having a stowed position in which the tailgate extender is located within a space within the tailgate, and a deployed position in which an exposed portion of the tailgate extender protrudes out of the tailgate space, a motor, and a gear drive assembly coupling the motor to the tailgate extender. The motor and gear drive assembly can be located within the tailgate space.

Abstract: A tailgate of modular construction and employing an extender assembly. The tailgate employs a thick central molded plastic core structure and inner and outer cover sheets secured to inboard and outboard faces of the core structure. The core structure defines laterally spaced vertically extending channels and the extender assembly includes a pair of laterally spaced post assemblies slidably mounted in the respective channels of the core member and connected at their upper end by a bar member which fits in a pocket defined in the upper face of the tailgate with the extender assembly in its lowered position.

Abstract: A load rack is for use in carrying long loads in a pickup truck having a bed and a tailgate. The rack can include a load bar supported by a left stance on one end and by a right stance on the other end. A footer section on each stance including a lower surface adapted to rest on the truck bed and a down turned portion extending below the lower surface to engage the space between the truck bed and tailgate.

Abstract: An extensible, exterior room for a recreational vehicle trailer comprising a floor, a roof, and at least one flexible wall is provided. The floor and the roof are each extensible between a stowed position and an open position. The floor is supported at one end by a frame on the underside of the trailer chassis, and at the other end by stabilizer legs with optional wheel mounts that are rotatable between a working and a non-working position. The roof is hinged to the trailer and is supported in the open position by hydraulic struts. The flexible walls are detachable from the roof and floor and may be stowed separately. The exterior room is accessible from the interior of the trailer through an exit, such as a sliding door style patio door.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are illustrated for accessing, extending and exiting a truck bed and having a pair of opposed end frame members (A) carried on opposed respective sides of the truck preferably on a truck having a tailgate. A transverse member (B) is substantially U-shaped and constructed of tubular frame members and carried in such a way that the legs (C) are pivotally carried between the upright frame members. A releasable fastening member (D) is provided for positioning the transverse member in upright position while stop member (E) limits downward pivotal movement of transverse member.

Abstract: A tailgate extension system includes a pickup bed having an outer edge. A pair of side walls is attached to the pickup bed. A tailgate housing has a front wall, a back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall. The back wall has an elongated opening therein generally extending from the first lateral wall to the second lateral wall. Each of the first and second lateral walls is hingedly coupled to one of the side walls. The housing is selectively positionable in a horizontal position extending away from the pickup bed or in a vertical position extending upwardly from the pickup bed. A panel is positioned within the housing and is selectively positioned in an extended orientation extending outwardly of the opening or in a stored orientation positioned substantially within the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a transformable vehicle body having a first body configuration and a second body configuration. The first body configuration resembles a wagon-style vehicle that includes a fully enclosed passenger space and cargo area. The second body configuration resembles a pickup truck that includes a contracted enclosed passenger space and an open cargo area behind the contracted enclosed passenger space.

Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle is provided. Typically, the vehicle includes a movable seat and an adjustable cargo bed, each configured to be alternatively positioned in an overlapping area of movement. The vehicle further includes a latch system including a latch body and a first retainer provided on the seat and a second latch retainer provided on a portion of the cargo bed. The latch body is typically configured to alternatively be secured to the seat or to the cargo bed by interlocking with either the first or the second latch retainer.

Abstract: Optionally expandable passenger seating is provided in a second compartment of a vehicle body including a first compartment and a second compartment rearwardly adjacent the first compartment, through use of a passenger seating cushion attached to an interior surface of a rear wallgate, of the first compartment, optionally separating the first and second compartments from one another. The rear wallgate is attached at a lower edge thereof for pivoting movement from a vertical position, whereat the rear wallgate at least partially separates the first compartment from the second compartment with the interior surface of the wallgate facing into the first compartment, to a horizontal position, whereat the rear wall gate extends into the second compartment with the interior surface of the rear wallgate facing generally upward, thereby allowing a passenger to sit on the cushion when the rear wall gate is in the horizontal position.

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 receiver assembly (10) allows one to carry an elongated article or articles having a length exceeding a load bed/rack of a vehicle to which the receiver assembly (10) is attached. The receiver assembly includes a central frame member (14), a pair of mounting brackets (30) to secure the central frame member (14) and load bed/rack extender assembly (50). The bed/rack extender assembly (50) includes a pair of L-shaped space support members (60,62). Either end of the spaced support members may be connected into the accessory receivers (52) so that the extender assembly (50) may be selectively secured in one of two positions.

Abstract: Vehicle pull out drawer frame mounting system can include an angled bracket having a first end and a second and which projects substantially normal to the first end, the first ends each having a fastener-receiving hole. The angled bracket can be employed as a mediating bracket in combination with a stationary frame for a vehicle pull out drawer device or system, which includes a cross-member that can receive the first end of the angled bracket and accommodate fastening of the bracket through a fastener that is received by the fastener-receiving hole of the first end of the bracket. The combination can be fastened to a cargo area of a vehicle that has a wall defining a boundary of the cargo area that can receive a fastener which fastens the mediating, angled bracket through the fastener-receiving hole of the second end of the bracket.

Abstract: A truck-bed extension adapted to attach to a truck with a truck gate and a hitch receiver. The truck-bed extension is formed primarily of removably connected sections of crafted tubing that can be assembled and disassembled by a single person. The truck-bed extension attaches to the truck hitch receiver without obstructing the gate regardless of the open or closed position of the gate. The truck-bed extension may also serve as a mobile work surface, such as a craftwork surface.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle including a body having a longitudinal axis and an expansion portion connected to the body. The expansion portion is configured to move substantially along the longitudinal axis between a retracted position wherein the body and the expansion portion define a first volume of interior space, and an extended position wherein the body and the expansion portion define a second volume of interior space, the second volume being larger than the first volume.

Abstract: There is provided a detachable cargo bed extender which when carried by a vehicle receiving hitch extends the cargo bed. The extender includes a supportive frame and a cross bar which may be adjusted upwardly and downwardly to a desired bed height, as well as, inwardly and outwardly to the desired bed width. Running lights provide safe vehicular operation of the attached cargo bed extender.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for a vehicle, with a loading floor provisioned in a loading area of the vehicle, where the loading floor exhibits a spacing element, with guide linkage or channel, where the lower end of the spacing element is configured for engaging the guide linkage. The vehicle has a loading edge, where loading edge exhibits a slant for supporting the loading floor at a second end region.

Abstract: An improved truck bed extender particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. When not being used to extend the truck bed, the extender is advantageously adapted to quickly and easily create a secondary storage area. In one embodiment, the extender includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mount. The connecting wall extends between the first side wall and the second side wall, and cooperates with the first side wall and second side wall to form a generally U-shape frame. The first mount is secured to the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. The second mount is secured to the second side wall and comprises a second interlocking member.

Abstract: A truck-bed extension adapted to attach to a truck with a truck gate and a hitch receiver. The truck-bed extension is formed primarily of removably connected sections of crafted tubing that can be assembled and disassembled by a single person. The truck-bed extension attaches to the truck hitch receiver without obstructing the gate regardless of the open or closed position of the gate. The truck-bed extension may also serve as a mobile work surface, such as a craftwork surface.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for a vehicle, with a loading floor provisioned in a loading area of the vehicle, where the loading floor exhibits a spacing element, with guide linkage or channel, where the lower end of the spacing element is configured for engaging the guide linkage. The vehicle has a loading edge, where loading edge exhibits a slant for supporting the loading floor at a second end region.

Abstract: A modularly constructed driver's cab construction series for heavy-goods vehicles can produce driver's cab variants with different length dimensions. A basic module is constructed as standard for all driver's cab variants, and a built-on module can be built on the basic module. Built-on modules can have different length dimensions for different driver's cab variants. The basic module has a front wall, two side walls, a door and door frame, a bottom and a roof, is made open to the rear, and possesses, at the rear, an annularly closed first flange-mounting region. The built-on module has a rear wall, two side-wall portions, a bottom portion and a roof portion, is made open to the front, and possesses, at the front, an annularly closed second flange-mounting region complementary to the first flange-mounting region. On the built-on module, the side-wall portions, the bottom portion and the roof portion have different length dimensions for each driver's cab variant.

Abstract: A truck bed extension is provided for extending the useful length of a pickup truck bed. The truck bed extension includes a pair of spaced, longitudinally extending sidewalls interconnected by a transversely extending gate. The sidewalls are adapted to mount to the truck bed using the existing hardware on found on the truck bed walls and on the tailgate. A hinge assembly swingably mounts the gate onto the side walls for movement of the gate between a generally upright, closed position and a downward, open position, and when the gate is in its open position, it can be retracted toward the truck bed to avoid interference with cargo loading and unloading.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are illustrated for accessing, extending and exiting a truck bed and having a pair of opposed end frame members (A) carried on opposed respective sides of the truck preferably on a truck having a tailgate. A transverse member(B) is substantially U-shaped and constructed of tubular frame members and carried in such a way that the legs (C) are pivotally carried between the upright frame members. A releasable fastening member (D) is provided for positioning the transverse member in upright position while stop member (E) limits downward pivotal movement of transverse member.

Abstract: A loading system for securing cargo with, typically, at least two spaced forwardly located pin and receptacle assemblies and at least two spaced rearwardly located tensioning systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structure 10 for extending a bed of a pickup truck; the structure being rotatably supported on a rear portion 1B of the bed of the pickup truck having a tailgate 4 capable of bringing down in an approximate level with a rear end of the bed 1; and the structure being provided on a first upper side of the tailgate 7 to be housed in the bed when the tailgate is rotated in a forward direction of the truck; wherein fixing means 20 is provided for fixing the structure provided on a second upper side of the floor onto the bed. Hence, if the structure is off the supporting bracket 16 when the structure is housed in the bed, the fixing means of the invention can prevent the structure from separating from the body not to have a secondary influence on surroundings by the structure 10.

Abstract: A vehicle body is provided which has a passenger compartment, an adjacent cargo compartment and a midgate opening at the juncture of the compartments which is sufficiently expansive to provide complete accessibility between the compartments. The cargo compartment is defined, in part, by a bed flanked by a pair of sidewalls and a tailgate. A pair of hard covers, respectively, are hingedly connected to each sidewall and are sufficiently openable in a coplanar respect to the sidewall to which it is hingedly connected so that the midgate opening is fully accessible for cargo extending between the compartments and to the full extent of the opened hard covers.

Abstract: An extension for a lift gate of a truck is provided. The extension has an elongate member and an attachment portion at an end of the elongate member that is adapted to surround a portion of the lift gate in the manner to allow the extension to be removably attached to the lift gate without the use of separate fasteners. The elongate member overlaps with a platform of the lift gate and extends beyond the lift gate platform in a direction parallel to the platform when the extension is removably attached to the lift gate.

Abstract: A motor vehicle storage module that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, situated beneath the vehicle. The module has as at least one compartment enabling articles other than a spare wheel to be stored, is accessible from outside the vehicle, and it is closed at the rear by a rear facade arranged to constitute an element of bodywork when the module is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A truck bed extension device (10) for use with a truck (12) having a cargo bed structure, wherein the device (10) allows for carrying items which extend beyond or overhang the bed structure. The device (10) comprises a deck (24); a support structure (26); and a signaling system (28). The deck (24) is horizontally adjustable relative to the bed structure so as to allow for achieving a desired spacing therebetween. The deck (24) is also vertically offset when unloaded so as to be substantially flush when loaded. Because the device (10) or the load carried thereon may obstruct viewing of the truck's existing brake and turn signals, the signaling system (28) repeats these signals where they are more visible. A second embodiment of the device (110) provides a hitch structure (170) for coupling the truck with a trailer via the device (110).

Abstract: A trailer and hitch assembly are arranged so that the trailer may be towed closely behind a motor vehicle without articulation. A pair of frame members extends forward from the trailer for engagement into a corresponding pair of receivers that are included in a hitch extension assembly. Locking mechanisms are arranged to secure the frame members to a hitch cross member that may be included in a standard trailer hitch connected to the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A work station for use with a tailgate of a truck is provided. The work station includes a first part that is adapted to be mounted to the tailgate of a truck. The work station includes a second part that is hingedly connected to the first part to pivot between an open and closed position. In the closed position, the second part generally overlies the tailgate. In the open position, the second part extends generally rearwardly from the tailgate.

Abstract: A truck bed extension device (10) for use with a truck (12) having a cargo bed structure, wherein the device (10) allows for carrying items which extend beyond or overhang the bed structure. The device (10) comprises a deck (24); a support structure (26); and a signaling system (28). The deck (24) is horizontally adjustable relative to the bed structure so as to allow for achieving a desired spacing therebetween. The deck (24) is also vertically offset when unloaded so as to be substantially flush when loaded. Because the device (10) or the load carried thereon may obstruct viewing of the truck's existing brake and turn signals, the signaling system (28) repeats these signals where they are more visible. A second embodiment of the device (110) provides a hitch structure (170) for coupling the truck with a trailer via the device (110).

Abstract: A cover and extender unit for the bed of a motor vehicle bounded by a forward wall, opposing side walls and a pivoted rear tailgate comprising a pivoting frame having opposing and laterally spaced sides that in a stowed position lie along the opposing interior surfaces of the side walls of the vehicle bed. Additionally, the frame has a transversely extending closure panel operatively interconnected between the sides at predetermined points adjacent to the forward ends thereof so that it may be used as a swingable tailgate when the unit is in an extended position. The frame has a flexible, sheet—like top cover that rolls up on a cylindrical spring powered roller operatively mounted in cover housing. The cover unrolls on frame deployment to shelter the truck bed.