Abstract: A pull out system, or a pull out drawer system for vehicles and trailers can be improved by an inverted French F-channel as a stationary rail; an inverted U-channel as a movable rail; and/or a cam-follower bearing being present among rollers on the rails. Also, a movable frame for a pull out drawer system can be improved by providing a support member for supporting a slide-in/out accessory, for example, a drawer or a ramp, and further by providing the accessory with such a frame.

Abstract: A folding cargo loading/unloading ramp, particularly adapted for motor trucks, includes first and second ramp sections and an intermediate support leg assembly which is pivotally connected to the first and second ramp sections at a common hinge point. The support leg assembly includes a latch for automatically latching the support leg assembly in a working position when it is rotated from a folded position to its working position, the latch being manually actuatable to unlock the support leg assembly to rotate back to its folded or non-working position. Both ramp sections and the support leg assembly include manipulating handles to facilitate movement of the ramp between a stored position and a working position.

Abstract: A structure is described which includes a bed and an apparatus having a flexible drive member which moves along an endless path. The apparatus is coupled to the structure and to the bed, and the apparatus is used to vertically move the bed along the endless path.

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 tail gate assist is provided for an open trailer and includes an elastic member mounted so as to provide assistance in raising the tail gate without substantially adding to the force required to open the tail gate.

Abstract: An emergency stairway escape apparatus permitting wheelchairs to egress a multi-story building via a stairway comprises a ramp platform of sufficient width to cover at least half of each stair tread and of sufficient length to span from an upper landing to a lower landing of said stairway. A latch is mounted to an outward wall for impinging the ramp platform in a stowed position and releasing the ramp platform to a deployed position. A plurality of hinges are used for affixing an edge of the ramp platform to the outward wall and permit an arcuate release of the ramp platform to a deployed position. A motion retarding reel is mounted to an upper landing wall, the reel comprising high strength cable outwardly dischargeable in a linear manner and self-retracting, the cable comprising a hook attachable to a wheelchair, the reel controlling ascent and descent along the ramp platform.

Abstract: A truck bed extension that is convertible into a truck bed separator to compartmentalize truck beds. The truck bed separator and extension are releasably attached to the truck bed lip at one end and to either the truck bed extension or the truck bed separator at the other end by a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly is comprised of a pair of mating jaw members for releasable attachment to a truck bed lip at on end and a fastener for releasable attachment to the hinge of the truck bed separator or extension at the other end.

Abstract: A truck bed step apparatus includes a ladder assembly with a pair of side rails and a plurality of steps that are attached to and extend between the side rails. The side rails are each divided into a plurality of segments such that a plurality of ladder sections are defined. The sections are hingedly coupled together so that each of the sections may be selectively positioned in an extended position linearly aligned with an adjacent one of the sections or in a stored position folded onto an adjacent one of the sections. A bracket assembly is hingedly coupled to first ends of each of the side rails. The bracket assembly is removably attached to an inner surface of a tailgate. The side rails are stacked on the inner surface when the sections are in the stored position.

Abstract: Various types of extendable support structures provide a lateral dimension that is defined by at least one lazy tong, and the longitudinal dimension is variable by extension and retraction of the at least one lazy tong. The extendable structure may include a plurality of adjacent and attached lazy tongs that are capable of supporting a significant load through the interconnection of the adjacent lazy tongs forming the structure. The extendable structure may be fully retracted to minimize the longitudinal dimension and thereby provide a compact structure, such as one that can be easily transported or stored. The extendable structure may be extended to a length as required for a particular purpose and limited to a maximum longitudinal dimension when the structure is being used to support a load. As such the various types of extendable support structures may be used in many scenarios, such as for providing a loading ramp, bridge, walkway, or working surface.

Abstract: A tailgate ramp system for providing convenient pickup bed access and safe vehicle loading/unloading includes a main frame with side members and a base member. A pair of ramp units are rotatably coupled to respective side members and are independently operable for convenient truck bed access. Each ramp unit includes a plurality of selectively extendable ramp sections. The ramp units are pivotally coupled to the frame side members for movement between vertical and horizontal configurations. Accordingly, the ramp units operate as tailgate components at the vertical configuration and as ramps at the horizontal configuration. An extension bar mounted on the base member enables slidable positioning of the ramp units at the horizontal configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates to Recreational Vehicles (RVs) such as motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth-wheel type camper trailers. The invention provides for a Recreational Vehicle configured with an integrated open-top cargo bed or pickup bed for carrying a wide variety of external loads, located in a portion of the aft end of the RV.

Abstract: A device called a ramp-rack may be used as a rack for the body of a stake body truck in a first mode, and as a ramp in a second mode, for rolling equipment between the bed and the ground. The ramp-rack may be hinged, so when used as a ramp, it will be longer than when used as a rack. Two or more ramp racks may be stacked, when they are used as a rack on the bed of a truck.

Abstract: A structure is described which includes a system having a support member and a toothed wheel which cooperate with each other to vertically move a bed.

Abstract: A tailgate ramp system for providing a safe and convenient system for loading/unloading all-terrain vehicles. The tailgate ramp system includes a pair of telescoping structures pivotally attached to a pickup box, wherein each telescoping structure is comprised of a frame structure and a plurality of telescoping sections slidably positioned within the frame structure. The telescoping sections have cross members for supporting the wheels of a vehicle during loading/unloading thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle for storing and transporting cargo comprises a cargo box for supporting and storing the cargo in the vehicle. The cargo box includes a planar cargo floor extending between a front end and a rear open end and laterally between a pair of spaced apart and parallel side walls of the cargo boy. A tailgate (12) is pivotally connected to the cargo box and pivotal between an open position extending from the cargo floor for providing access to the cargo box and a generally upright closed position for closing the cargo boy. The tailgate includes a cavity (24) recessed in the tailgate and a door (18) for closing the cavity in the tailgate. Items such as ramps which are usable, with the tailgate in the open position, to load cargo into the box, are stowable within the tailgate cavity. Such ramps can also be arranged in a fence like manner to form a cargo box extender.

Abstract: A vehicle end gate assembly is adapted to be attached to a vehicle body and includes an end gate body having an interior surface extending between an upper edge and a lower edge. The lower edge of the end gate body is adapted to be hingedly attached to the vehicle body and the interior surface includes at least one recess formed therein at the upper edge. An attachment member is positioned in the at least one recess and is attached to the end gate body for releasably securing items to the end gate body.

Abstract: A tailgate ramp system for providing a safe and convenient system for loading/unloading all-terrain vehicles. The tailgate ramp system includes a pair of telescoping structures pivotally attached to a pickup box, wherein each telescoping structure is comprised of a frame structure and a plurality of telescoping sections slidably positioned within the frame structure. The telescoping sections have cross members for supporting the wheels of a vehicle during loading/unloading thereof.

Abstract: The Folding Tailgate Extension of the present invention is designed to provide a convenient and compact means to aid in loading and unloading pickup trucks. To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a folding ramp assembly installed along the outer edge of an existing pickup truck tailgate that can extend downward to the ground behind the lowered tailgate. The Folding Tailgate Extension can be used as either a ramp or a step, and is easily folded and concealed inside of a pickup truck tailgate when not in use.

Abstract: A truck bed extension that is convertible into a truck bed separator to compartmentalize truck beds. The truck bed separator and extension are releasably attached to the truck bed lip at one end and to either the truck bed extension or the truck bed separator at the other end by a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly is comprised of a pair of mating jaw members for releasable attachment to a truck bed lip at on end and a fastener for releasable attachment to the hinge of the truck bed separator or extension at the other end.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for closing a vehicle storage compartment. The apparatus includes: a housing which resembles a tailgate of a vehicle and wherein the housing has one or more loading surfaces. The loading surfaces can be removed from the tailgate, placed into a loading position and used for loading items into or out of a vehicle storage compartment. Thereafter, the loading surfaces may be transformed into a storage position and placed within the housing.

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 fold up ramp assists the loading and unloading of equipment and people onto and off of the bed of a pickup truck. Four individual panels are configured with a unique folding pattern that allows two of the panels to fold into two of the other panels, or nest, to form the tailgate on a pickup truck. The folded and nested panel tailgate is exactly the same size as a standard pickup truck tailgate, varying according to vehicle make and model, and utilizes the same latching mechanism. The ramp panels are fabricated of rectangular metal tubing frames having a metal meshing topside. The panels are interconnected by piano hinges fastened to the underside shared edges between the panels and running the full length of the edge to increase stability and strength.

Abstract: A convertible liftgate assembly for use with pickup trucks. The assembly includes one or more platform components which may serve as sturdy, flat panels for service as ramps, and include legs for use also as work platforms or scaffolds. All components of the liftgate assembly can be secured in a nested configuration resembling a conventional pickup truck liftgate, with each platform component being removable for service as a ramp or work platform.

Abstract: A fold up ramp assists the loading and unloading of equipment and people onto and off of the bed of a pickup truck. Four individual panels are configured with a unique folding pattern that allows two of the panels to fold into two of the other panels, or nest, to form the tailgate on a pickup truck. The folded and nested panel tailgate is exactly the same size as a standard pickup truck tailgate, varying according to vehicle make and model, and utilizes the same latching mechanism. The ramp panels are fabricated of rectangular metal tubing frames having a metal meshing topside. The panels are interconnected by piano hinges fastened to the underside shared edges between the panels and running the full length of the edge to increase stability and strength.

Abstract: A ramp anchor for a truck tailgate has an anchor bar which rests on the outer edge of the horizontal upper surface of the tailgate in its lowered position. End pieces pivoted to the anchor bar engage tailgate latches below the anchor bar. The bar has telescoped sections to adjust the bar length. A square bar has end pieces adjustable about axes at right angles to the upper surface of the tailgate. A round bar has end pieces adjustable about the bar axis.

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 portable motor-vehicle workshop has a plurality of rigid rectangular I-beam reinforced floor panels, bolts securing the floor panels together to form a planar horizontal floor, and a plurality of portals each having a pair of spaced vertical lower posts having lower ends secured to the floor, respective angled connector beams extending inward and upward at acute angles from upper ends of the lower posts, respective upper posts extending vertically from upper ends of the angled beams, and a horizontal connector beam extending between upper ends of the respective upper posts. A plurality of panels are bolted to the posts and beams of the portals and enclose a space above the floor. A lift on the floor can raise a vehicle up between the upper posts.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a passenger cab and a pickup truck cargo bed that extends outward from the passenger cab. The cargo bed comprises two opposing sidewalls, a front wall and a movable rear tailgate. A ramp assembly comprises panels, hinges, retainer brackets, and stiffeners and is stored in the cargo bed. The hinges rotatably interconnect the panels to each other and a single panel to the tailgate. The stiffeners reinforce the panels when in use and are otherwise stowed in the cargo bed. The retainer bracket holds the panels against the tailgate when in the stowed position.

Abstract: A cargo enclosure with removable roof panels that can be used as ramps to load and unload heavy items. Each roof panel is built such that it can support a heavy load being translated over it. The cargo shell capable of being locked with or without the roof panels installed in a variety of means known to those experienced in the art.

Abstract: A truck bed extension that is convertible into a pair of ramps. The truck bed extension is comprised of a left truck bed extension and a right truck bed extension, each truck bed extension comprising a back wall section, a side wall extension section and a ramp lip. The side wall extension, ramp lip and back wall section are hinged together to allow the truck bed extensions to be straightened when detached from the truck bed and used as a dual ramp.

Abstract: A system for storing items on a vehicle bed utilizing a platform fixed relative to the walls of the bed. The platform is spaced from the bottom of the vehicle bed to from a chamber. First and second tracks connect to the platform within the chamber. A ramp slidingly moves along the track into a first position where the ramp rests on the ground surface or into a second position where the ramp lies in the chamber. The gate connected to the ramp closes the chamber in the truck bed beneath the ramp.

Abstract: An elongated anchor rail is installed on the edge of a tailgate for retaining a tailgate accessory to the tailgate. The anchor rail has a flange portion with a flat surface partly covering an inside surface of the tailgate. The flange portion has longitudinal inside and outside edges. The anchor rail also has a channel portion projecting at right angle from the flange portion. The channel portion is at a distance from the outside edge, and forms with the flange portion a recessed seat adjacent to and along the outside edge. The channel portion further has a T-slot in the recessed seat facing toward the outside edge. When a tailgate accessory is mounted to the T-slot of the anchor rail, it is partly or completely included in the recessed seat. The tailgate accessories comprised in the tailgate attachment set include a pair of ramp ends and a number of lugs and hooks.

Abstract: A tailgate lift assembly is described herein wherein the assembly is comprised of a housing which has retained therein a spring, the spring being connected to the tailgate by means of a cable. The cable extends from the spring through at least one roller for correct positioning thereof. The cable is biased due to the spring the tension of which is adjustable through the use of a tensioning mechanism such as a turnbuckle. The lift assembly may be integrated with the top of a trailer side rail or may be affixed thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle loading ramp (10) broadly comprises a first load-bearing platform (16), a second load-bearing platform (20) preferably substantially identical to the first platform (16), and a brace (20) that can be positioned between the platforms (16,18) in order to adjust and rigidly fix a distance between the platforms. In each of several embodiments, the brace (20) may be configured to adjust the distance between the platforms (16,18) in order to accommodate different offsets between wheels of different wheeled vehicles. The brace (20) can also fix the distance between the platforms (16,18), thereby providing rigidity and preventing the platforms (16,18) from moving with respect to one another, either laterally or longitudinally.

Abstract: A ramp anchor for a truck tailgate has an anchor bar which rests on the outer edge of the horizontal upper surface of the tailgate in its lowered position. End pieces pivoted to the anchor bar engage tailgate latches below the anchor bar. The bar has telescoped sections to adjust the bar length. A square bar has end pieces adjustable about axes at right angles to the upper surface of the tailgate. A round bar has end pieces adjustable about the bar axis.

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 truck bed extender with one or more extendable ramps. The bed extender includes an extending rail having a truck end and a free end. The truck end is coupled to a trailer hitch receiver and the free end includes a bottom trailer hitch receiver. A support assembly is coupled to the extending rail receiver proximate the free end. The support assembly includes a rear T-shaped support member. The ramps are pivotally and slideably coupled to the support assembly proximate the rear T-shaped member. A locking bar is configured to secure the ramps at an angle between and including substantially horizontal and substantially vertical with respect the truck bed, and engages the support assembly.

Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly is securable to a vehicle having a cargo bed defined by a pair of opposing sidewalls extending between a fixed forward wall and a movable rear tailgate. The tonneau cover assembly includes a plurality of rigid panels. The panels are securable to the sidewalls for covering the cargo bed. An attachment bracket couples one of the panels to the tailgate to provide a loading ramp that extends between the cargo bed and ground. The tonneau cover assembly includes at least one elongated stiffener bracket that is attachable to the plurality of panels. The elongated stiffener bracket locks the panels in the ramp position during use as a loading ramp to the cargo bed.

Abstract: A ramp device for loading wheeled vehicles, equipment, or articles onto a pickup truck or trailer. A ramp device, or set of ramp devices, which provides a roadway or skidway between ground level and a truck bed, and which additionally provides a solid path over the tailgate, and the gap between the tailgate and truck bed, thence into the bed. The ramp device folds to fit within a pickup truck bed for storage and transportation. The ramp device further comprises a clamping system which utilizes draw latches to clamp the ramp onto the tailgate. The clamping system is actuated by hand and is not coupled to the motion of the pivoting ramp member.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for closing a vehicle storage compartment. The apparatus includes: a housing which resembles a tailgate of a vehicle and wherein the housing has one or more loading surfaces. The loading surfaces can be removed from the tailgate, placed into a loading position and used for loading items into or out of a vehicle storage compartment. Thereafter, the loading surfaces may be transformed into a storage position and placed within the housing.

Abstract: A pickup truck tailgate and loading ramp is formed by a main frame dimensioned to be hingedly received by a given pickup bed. Two pairs of hingedly interconnected frames are rigidly secured to the top rail of the tailgate section and form a pair of ramp tracks when in tailgate lowered position. When not in use the track forming frames are disposed rearwardly of the closed tailgate section.

Abstract: An elongated anchor rail is installed on the edge of a tailgate for retaining a tailgate accessory to the tailgate. The anchor rail has a flange portion with a flat surface partly covering an inside surface of the tailgate. The flange portion has longitudinal inside and outside edges. The anchor rail also has a channel portion projecting at right angle from the flange portion. The channel portion is at a distance from the outside edge, and forms with the flange portion a recessed seat adjacent to and along the outside edge. The channel portion further has a T-slot in the recessed seat facing toward the outside edge. When a tailgate accessory is mounted to the T-slot of the anchor rail, it is partly or completely included in the recessed seat. The tailgate accessories comprised in the tailgate attachment set include a pair of ramp ends and a number of lugs and hooks.

Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly is securable to a vehicle having a cargo bed defined by a pair of opposing sidewalls extending between a fixed forward wall and a movable rear tailgate. The tonneau cover assembly includes a plurality of rigid panels. The panels are securable to the sidewalls for covering the cargo bed. An attachment bracket couples one of the panels to the tailgate to provide a loading ramp that extends between the cargo bed and ground. The tonneau cover assembly includes at least one elongated stiffener bracket that is attachable to the plurality of panels. The elongated stiffener bracket locks the panels in the ramp position during use as a loading ramp to the cargo bed.

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: A combination tailgate/ramp apparatus for a pickup truck for incorporating the tailgate of a pickup truck also into a ramp eliminating the need to have separate components.

Abstract: A truck bed extension that is convertible into a pair of ramps. The truck bed extension is comprised of a left truck bed extension and a right truck bed extension, each truck bed extension comprising a back wall section, a side wall extension section and a ramp lip. The side wall extension, ramp lip and back wall section are hinged together to allow the truck bed extensions to be straightened when detached from the truck bed and used as a dual ramp.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a passenger cab and a pickup truck cargo bed that extends outward from the passenger cab. The cargo bed comprises two opposing sidewalls, a front wall and a movable rear tailgate. A ramp assembly comprises panels, hinges, retainer brackets, and stiffeners and is stored in the cargo bed. The hinges rotatably interconnect the panels to each other and a single panel to the tailgate. The stiffeners reinforce the panels when in use and are otherwise stowed in the cargo bed. The retainer bracket holds the panels against the tailgate when in the stowed position.

Abstract: A tailgate lift assembly is described herein wherein the assembly is comprised of a housing which has retained therein a spring, the spring being connected to the tailgate by means of a cable. The cable extends from the spring through at least one roller for correct positioning thereof. The cable is biased due to the spring the tension of which is adjustable through the use of a tensioning mechanism such as a turnbuckle. The lift assembly may be integrated with the top of a trailer side rail or may be affixed thereto.

Abstract: An elongated hydraulically foldable and elevationally adjustable ramp connectable to a draft vehicle and including leading and trailing ramp sections that are pivotally joined and foldable between an inclined loading position and an upright traveling position, and a ground-bearing pad pivotally connected and depending freely from the ramp at a position forward its center of gravity, such that upon activation of a hydraulic cylinder extending between the trailing and leading ramp sections when in loading position, the ground-bearing pad engages the ground and causes the forward end of the leading ramp section to elevate above the bed level of the trailer to facilitate mounting and removal of the ramp therefrom. The hydraulics for the ramp are self-contained on the ramp for independent operation and positional control without connection to an external source.

Abstract: A stowable load ramp for a vehicle includes a tailgate operable between a closed vertical position and an open horizontal position, an upper panel hingedly attached to the tailgate, a lower panel hingedly attached to the upper panel, and wherein the upper and lower panels are operable between a stowed horizontal position and an extended downwardly angled ramp position.