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 tailgate for a vehicle has a supplemental tailgate that retracts within the tailgate and is extendable therefrom in order to provide bed extender, box extender and step assist functions. The supplemental tailgate includes a pivotable molding, which mounts on a movable frame portion, and a latching assembly. When pivoted, the pivotable molding releases the latching assembly, allowing the supplemental tailgate to be moved to various extended positions. When the supplemental tailgate is in its stowed position, the pivotable molding may be aligned with the top surface of the tailgate in order to provide an esthetically pleasing appearance and provide paint scratch resistance. When the movable frame portion is in an essentially fully extended position, it may be rotated relative to the tailgate in order to provide the box extender and assist step functions.

Abstract: A truck bed extension which is concealed beneath a truck when not being used is disclosed. The truck bed extension comprises a frame and two wheel assemblies for permitting the extension to be pulled behind a truck. During non-use, an elongated member of the truck bed extension is received by a guide channel to facilitate positioning the truck bed extension beneath the truck. When the truck bed extension is not being used the wheel assemblies rotate up under the truck wheel wells and attach thereto. A locking mechanism secures the truck bed extension in place during use. Optional removable side walls attach to the truck bed extension and may alternatively be used as ramps for loading wheeled-vehicles. A hoist slidably engaging side walls of the truck bed permits heavy and cumbersome materials to be loaded and unloaded.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate extension apparatus and method of using the same. The tailgate extension apparatus generally includes a U-frame member, a plurality of hinge elements, and a plurality of side braces. The U-frame member may be locked into a plurality of operative positions optionally including a backstop position, an extension position, and a step position. The extension apparatus is stored within the interior of the tailgate until needed, and the extension may be pulled out of the tailgate via a plurality of storage channels. The side braces directly connect the U-frame member to the vehicle tailgate and may be stored within the arms of the U-frame when the extension apparatus is stowed in the tailgate.

Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle is provided. Typically, the vehicle includes a seat that is retractable into a leg space of the seat, and a cargo bed adjustably provided behind the seat such that a part of the cargo bed is moveable into a space formerly occupied by the seat after the seat is retracted. In this manner, cargo space and passenger space of the vehicle may be selectively optimized by the user.

Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle with side walls and a bed has a supplemental tailgate that retracts within a tailgate frame and is extendable therefrom. The supplemental tailgate may include a guide system secured generally between the rear panel and the front panel of the tailgate frame, a movable frame assembly having two telescoping supports extendable from, pivotable relative to and retained by the guide system. The supplemental tailgate may also include a cross member connected to the two telescoping supports and extending therebetween. A lock rod assembly telescopically extends from and is pivotable relative to the cross member, with the lock rod assembly including a lock rod bar having a lock rod latch affixed thereto that is adapted to releasably latch to one of the vehicle side walls to thereby support the movable frame portion relative to the guide system when the tailgate frame is in the generally horizontal open position and the movable frame assembly is pivoted upward relative to the tailgate frame.

Abstract: A davit system includes an elongate base having a straight part and a leading part that is angled downwardly relative to the straight part at a predetermined angle. An elongate boom arm is slideably disposed in a hollow interior of the elongate base. The boom arm is fully retracted within the hollow interior of the elongate base when an elongate screw is rotated in a first direction a predetermined number of times and the boom arm is fully extended from the hollow interior of the elongate base when the elongate screw is rotated in a second direction a predetermined number of times. The boom arm is downwardly angled at the predetermined angle when the boom arm is in its fully extended position. In a first embodiment, two elongate bases and boom arms are provided and each boom arm supports a cradle at its leading end for lifting a boat.

Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle has a supplemental tailgate that retracts within the tailgate and is extendable therefrom in order to provide different assist functions. The supplemental tailgate may include a pivotable molding, which mounts on a movable frame portion, a latching assembly, and a gravity latch assembly. When pivoted, the pivotable molding releases the latching assembly, allowing the supplemental tailgate to be moved to various extended positions. The gravity latch assembly engages the pivotable molding to prevent the pivotable molding from being pivoted when the tailgate is in the generally vertical closed position, and disengages the pivotable molding to allow for pivoting when the tailgate is in the generally horizontal open position.

Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle has a supplemental tailgate that retracts within the tailgate and is extendable therefrom in order to provide bed extender, box extender and step assist functions. The supplemental tailgate includes a pivotable molding, which mounts on a movable frame portion, and a latching assembly. When pivoted, the pivotable molding releases the latching assembly, allowing the supplemental tailgate to be moved to various extended positions. When the supplemental tailgate is in its stowed position, the pivotable molding may be aligned with the top surface of the tailgate in order to provide an esthetically pleasing appearance and provide paint scratch resistance. When the movable frame portion is in an essentially fully extended position, it may be rotated relative to the tailgate in order to provide the box extender and assist step functions.

Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle has a supplemental tailgate that retracts within the tailgate and is extendable therefrom in order to provide multiple assist functions. The supplemental tailgate includes a pivotable molding, which mounts on a movable frame portion, and a latching assembly. When pivoted, the pivotable molding releases the latching assembly, allowing the supplemental tailgate to be moved to various extended positions. When the movable frame portion is in an essentially fully extended position, it can be rotated downward relative to the tailgate and a flip step pivoted to a use position in order to provide an assist step function.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate extension apparatus and method of using the same. The tailgate extension apparatus generally comprises a U-frame member, a plurality of hinge elements, and a plurality of side braces. The U-frame member may be locked into a plurality of operative positions optionally including a backstop position, an extension position, and a step position. The extension apparatus is stored within the interior of the tailgate until needed, and the extension may be pulled out of the tailgate via a plurality of storage channels. The side braces directly connect the U-frame member to the vehicle tailgate and may be stored within the arms of the U-frame when the extension apparatus is stowed in the tailgate.

Abstract: A storage apparatus includes a frame suitably shaped to fit within the confines of a vehicle bed. One or more securing members are structured to engage the frame and a surface of the vehicle bed to hold the frame in a fixed relationship relative to the vehicle. The apparatus is designed to be non-invasively installed in the vehicle bed, i.e. without modification to the bed such as drilling or cutting. A cargo tray unit is structured to slide relative to the frame, being rearwardly extensible from the vehicle bed.

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 loading system for a cargo space of a motor vehicle, such as a passenger vehicle includes a pull-out cargo floor and a guide system for longitudinally moving the cargo floor from a rest position into an extended position projecting out of the cargo space. The guide system, in the area of the end that is extended out of the cargo space, can be upwardly pivoted with respect to the cargo space while the opposite end is vertically fixed with respect to the cargo space.

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 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.

Abstract: A wheelless carrier coupled to the hitch of a vehicle for carrying loads and for expanding the cargo bed. The cargo bed expander is provided with at least one gate. When catched, the gate functions as a stop to prevent the cargo from falling out of the cargo bed. And when the gate is seated, it creates a ramp between the gate's seat and the cargo bed expander. The cargo bed expander is raised to about the level of the cargo bed by at least one lift, and is dimensioned to allow clearance of the vehicle's tailgate.

Abstract: A vehicle utility rack system includes a pair of single support racks for providing an elevated hauling and working station. Each single support rack includes a T-shaped support structure having a lower vertical member and upper horizontal member, and angular-shaped retention structures disposed adjacent to and connected with opposite lateral end portions of the upper horizontal member so as to extend in an upward direction relative thereto and define opposite outer limits of a horizontal support region on the upper horizontal member. The rack system also includes a dual support rack structure having a single support rack, an auxiliary support rack, and a brace member supporting the auxiliary support rack in a cantilevered fashion from the single support rack and disposing them in spaced apart upright orientations to provide the elevated hauling and working station.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated tailgate for a vehicle having a planar cargo bed, the tailgate operable between a closed vertical position and an open horizontal position, and a structure slideably received by the tailgate extendable to a substantially horizontal position when the tailgate is in the open position, whereat the structure is rotateably operable between the horizontal position, an upwardly rotated substantially vertical position perpendicular to the open tailgate, and a downwardly rotated position a predetermined degree between zero and ninety degrees.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an extension apparatus for a vehicle storage area with the preferred embodiments using a bracket and frame construction to provide for a foldable lightweight extension device.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly for use with a motor vehicle of the type including a cab and a cargo body positioned rearwardly of the cab and including side walls and a floor coacting at the rear of the cargo body to define a tailgate opening into which the tailgate is fitted. The tailgate assembly includes an extender assembly including a bar positioned proximate an upper edge of the tailgate and a pair of post assemblies extending downwardly from the bar into the tailgate proximate respective side edges of the tailgate. Each post assembly includes a lower post member articulated to an upper post member which in turn is connected to the bar. The bar may be raised to a position above the upper edge of the tailgate by sliding the post assemblies upwardly within guide tubes provided in the tailgate whereby to provide further vertical restraint for loads carried by the vehicle.

Abstract: A cargo bed extension system for allowing a user to ease the loading and unloading of equipment from a truck bed as well as increase the size of the cargo space. The cargo bed extension system includes an extension assembly that has a pair of end panels and a center panel. Each of the end panels is hingably coupled to opposite ends of the center panel. A pair of mounting assemblies each are designed for mounting to the cargo bed of the vehicle. Each of the mounting assemblies are for selectively receiving one of the end panels such that each of the end panels are designed for being secured to the cargo bed of the vehicle. A securing assembly is designed for mounting to a tailgate of the vehicle, the securing assembly is for selectively engaging the center panel of the extension assembly such that the securing assembly is designed for securing the center panel to the tailgate of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading stretchers into an ambulance which includes a loading table for the front end of the stretcher bed portion and by which the stretcher is transferred into the ambulance transporting compartment the loading table being positioned with its rear edge in a position projecting outwards from the rear surface of the ambulance; an auxiliary device applied to the rear edge of the loading table having a transverse horizontal abutment element which is positioned at a height lower than the rear end of the upper surface of the loading table in order to engage the front legs of the stretcher, starting from their erect position.

Abstract: A truck bed extension that is convertible into a ramp. The truck bed extension is comprised of three panels, including a back wall and two side walls, which are hinged together to allow the truck bed extension to be straightened when detached from the truck bed and used as a ramp or ladder. The truck bed extension also has a ramp lip, such that the ramp lip acts as an extension of the ramp and is positioned on the extended tailgate of the truck. This ramp lip reduces the angle of incline of the ramp and alleviates “bottoming out” of the wheeled vehicles moving in and out of the truck.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a storage compartment for the rear end of a speciality vehicle is provided. The storage compartment has a primary compartment that is slidably mounted to the vehicle body. Sub-compartments are pivotally connected to the side walls of the primary compartment. The sub-compartments are pivoted from a closed position wherein the sub-compartments overlie a base portion of the primary compartment to a open position wherein the sub-compartments are pivoted on a pivot connection to a position wherein they are outboard of the base. A deck lid is provided to enclose the storage compartment.

Abstract: A truck bed or vehicle cargo liner with integrated sliding bed extension including a drop-in truck bed liner or cargo liner (16) formed of composite/plastic materials with one or more molded composite/plastic or metal rails (18) integrally formed or attached to the structure of the liner (on the floor and/or liner walls) and a bed/floor extension plate (20) of lightweight molded composite/plastic materials or metal plating (encased or not within a shell of composite materials) or a combination of the two in which the underside and/or sides has/have one or more composite tracks (22) integrally formed or attached to the structure of the extension plate for mounting said plate to the previously referenced rail/rails.

Abstract: A portable loading ramp for a pickup truck including an elongate hitch mount which is removably attached to a hitch on a pickup truck, and further including first and second ramp members which are hingedly mounted upon the elongate hitch mount, and also including a vehicle support which includes a sleeve support member, a sleeve member attached to the sleeve support member, and a support arm lockably extendable in the sleeve member and having an end which either attaches to the small vehicle to secure the vehicle on the truck box or securely supports the back end of the small vehicle above the floor of the truck box.

Abstract: A vehicle having a table board is provided. The table board is moveable between an out-of-use position, in which the table board is accommodated in the vehicle, and a position of use, in which the table board projects longitudinally from the vehicle. At least one seat is mounted in such a way on the table board, through a folding linkage, such that in the position of use of the table board, the seat can be pivoted between a space-saving out-of-use position and a position of use suitable for sitting at the table board.

Abstract: A partitioning system for use in the storage area of a vehicle is disclosed. The partitioning system includes a multipurpose shelf that can be positioned in a plurality of different locations. The shelf can be disposed (1) horizontally near the top of the rear row of seats to act as a security cover; (2) horizontally along the floor in the storage area; (3) horizontally to cooperate of a folded last row of seats to provide a generally flat surface from the end gate into the passenger area; (4) vertically and adjacent to the rear row of seats; and (5) horizontally, while the end gate is open, such that the shelf extends beyond the storage area as defined by a closed end gate. The shelf includes a pivotable support leg that may contact the vehicle body to support the shelf in this horizontal position that extends beyond the storage area defined by a closed end gate.