Abstract: The present invention is a cargo carrier. The preferred embodiment is a cantilever displacement cargo carrier with a beam. The first end of the beam comprises a cantilever displacement housing with a pivot hole. A pivot beam is pivotally attached to the beam at the cantilever displacement housing by a pivot pin inserted into the pivot hole and a pivot bushing. The pivot beam preferably has at least one pin saddle where a horizontal bearing pin with at least one bearing is inserted. The bearing preferably has an outer circumference that extends above the top surface of the pivot beam and contacts the cantilever displacement housing. The second end of the beam has a receiver saddle where the pivot beam can be locked in place at an anchor bushing by a retainer pin.

Abstract: A mast righting assistance assembly includes a trailer hitch extension subassembly includes a trailer hitch extension insert and a trailer hitch extension receiver tube extending opposite directions, a winch subassembly carried by the trailer hitch extension subassembly, and a vertical column carried by the trailer hitch extension subassembly. A winch cable is routed from a winch drum through a cable redirecting component attached to a top of the vertical column. The cable is secured to rigging of the mast for controlling stepping and unstepping of the mast. The winch spools and unspools the cable to step and unstep the mast respectively. The vertical column is adjustable in height to obtain a desirable minimum force application angle respective to stowed mast.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted multi tricycle carrier with tilting carrier platforms that enable loading multiple tricycle to the carrier without a person hand lifting the tricycle from the ground. The carrier incorporates a lifting boom accessory. The lifting boom is attached to the lower carrier structure and a second platform added to the lift boom allowing two tricycles to be carried.

Abstract: A bicycle rack and a cargo rack are disclosed, which can operate together as a single unit. The rack articulates in a variety of ways such as to allow access to the vehicle while mounted with bicycles in the rear and to ease access to the roof for placement and removal of cargo.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control module (10) for controlling powered operation of a platform (2) for a vehicle compartment (101) that is movable between a first position in which the platform engages a moveable structure (102) of the vehicle (100) and a second position; wherein the control module (10) is configured to control movement of the platform (2) from the second position to the first position by first controlling a powered actuation means (5) to move the platform (2) from the second position through the first position and into a third position, and then controlling the powered actuation means (5) to move the platform (2) from the third position into contact with the moveable structure (102) to thereby bring the platform (2) into the first position.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted tricycle carrier with a tilting carrier platform that enables loading a tricycle to the carrier without lifting the tricycle from the ground. The carrier is further enhanced by a lifting boom accessory. The lifting boom may be attached to the tricycle carrier structure and a second platform added to the lift boom allowing two tricycles to be carried.

Abstract: A system and method of connecting a cargo rack to a vehicle having a convertible, retractable or removable roof system. Reinforced frame sections of the vehicle are exposed by removing access panels and/or any obstructing trim. Attachment brackets are mounted to the reinforced frame sections The attachment brackets extend above the roof well and into a gap space below the canopy of the roof system. A crossbar is mounted between the attachment brackets. The crossbar has a flat top surface that contains a plurality of receptacles. Various mounting accessories are provided, wherein each of the mounting accessories is configured to be selectively received by any one of the receptacles.

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack system is disclosed, such as a laterally extensible rail-type rack for connection to the roof or top of a vehicle. The rack rails may extend laterally and at the same time, through or over their range of extension, come down to a more accessible or lower height with respect to the ground upon which the user is standing or located with respect to the vehicle when using the rack to load or unload cargo.

Abstract: A motorcycle transporter includes a main frame comprising a hitch connection to couple to a tow hitch on a tow vehicle. A front tire carrier assembly is coupled to the main frame through a lift and comprises a rear tilting cradle hingedly coupled to a forward stationary cradle, each formed into a channel shaped to receive a motorcycle tire. The stationary cradle is coupled to the lift, a cradle side rail latch housing and a corresponding side rail latch coupled to the cradles to lock the rear tilting cradle in an open position and in a closed position. The open position enables the motorcycle tire to roll into the channel at ground level. The closed position restrains the motorcycle tire in the channel. The lift is arranged to raise the cradle from the ground level.

Abstract: A convertible roof rack is provided that is generally comprised of a light bar and a roof rack that is spaced from the roof of a vehicle. The roof rack is also rotatably interconnected to a support structure associated with the rear of the vehicle such that it is capable of moving from a first position of use adjacent to the roof to a second position of use away from the roof where the light bar remains interconnected to the vehicle adjacent to the windshield. As such, electrical connections associated with the light bar remain intact when the roof rack is rotated away from the roof.

Abstract: A device and assembly for loading a watercraft. In one embodiment, the device includes an elongated extension brace and a lever pivotable about the elongated extension's second end. A tether may be aligned about the lever and repositionable between a vehicle and the watercraft. The result is an assembly to repositionably secure a watercraft from a surface to a loaded vehicle position.

Abstract: A mounting platform attached to a vehicle by existing openings and holes in a truck bed. A base portion having an L-clamp or bolt assembly registered and bolted to the vehicle and is securely held to the bed rails of a pick-up truck. Two formed metal vertical uprights or supports are attached to the base portion. A platform portion is attached to the two upright vertical forms or supports. The mounting platform is used to mount accessories such as light bars, emergency lights, spot lights, antennas, or any other accessory. The mounting platform may be easily installed and removed from the vehicle without any damage or modification to the vehicle and without drilling any additional holes in the vehicle.

Abstract: A mounting system utilizing multidirectional pivoting, retracting, extending, and vertical lift to allow it to fit longer items diagonally into truck beds, cargo vehicles, mobile trailers, or other vehicles; and making moving or removing the equipment stored therein much easier. The mounting system is also designed to be installed inside the bed of a truck and still allow for a “bed cover” or tonneau cover to be used over the mounting system so that the mounting system and equipment mounted therein remain safely inside the vehicle. The mounting system and attached equipment can easily be removed while not in use and re-attached to secondary mounting location for safe storage.

Abstract: A bicycle parking rack includes a tray having a stationary wheel engagement structure that engages a bicycle wheel on one side of the center of the wheel. A movable wheel engagement member is arranged to engage the bicycle on the other side of the center of the wheel, to apply a clamping force on the wheel and to maintain the the bicycle in an upright position. The rack may include lower parking stations in which at each lower station the front bicycle wheel is clamped between the wheel engagement structure and the movable wheel engagement member, and upper parking stations in which at each station the rear wheel engages the wheel engagement structure and the front wheel is engaged with the wheel engagement member. At each upper station, the tray is movable between a loading position and a storage position via an elevated track and trolley arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drop-down utility rack that has a rotating bar for controlling the position of the utility rack between a transport position and an access position. The rotating bar rotates through an arc of rotation which moves the rack between the transport and access positions. A lever is connected to the rotating bar for rotating the rotating bar. The lever is adapted to move through an arc of travel. A clutch is mounted between the lever and the rotating bar. The clutch engages and disengages the lever and the rotating bar such that the lever rotates through the arc of travel to rotate the rotating bar over a portion of the arc of rotation. The clutch automatically disengages the lever from the rotating bar as the rotating bar completes its arc of rotation. In this way, the arc of travel is less than the arc of rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (07) for receiving and transporting components, in particular pipes or tubes (15), on a vehicle (01). The vehicle (01) carries a container (03) having a container cover (05) that is tiltable about a cover axis (19). A carrier (12) of the device is mountable on the container cover (05). An adjustment drive (22) that can pivot the carrier (12) about a pivot axis (21) between a transport position and a working position is preferably also present. Also provided are a retaining device (13) for accommodating at least one component (15), and a drive unit for moving the retaining device (13) relative to the carrier (12) between an upper holding position and a lower removal position. The invention further relates to a suction excavator (01) having a material collection container (03) that includes such a device for receiving and transporting pipes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a roof rack comprising a plurality of roof attachments for attaching the roof rack to a roof of an automobile; at least two cross bars that are arrangeable across the roof of the automobile, each cross bar comprising a plurality of members configured to move relative to each other such that the cross bar is extendable into an extended configuration in which a portion of the cross bar would overhang a side of the automobile; a mounting rack configured to receive articles on an upper portion thereof, the mounting rack being mounted to the at least two cross bars in a spaced relationship thereto, whereby extending the at least two cross bars into their extended configurations moves the mounting rack between a first position where it would overlie the roof of the automobile and a second position where it would overhanging the side of the automobile, wherein the mounting rack is mounted to a member of the at least two cross bars which is the last to move into a position overhanging the side of

Abstract: A loading and transportation roof rack for the roof of a vehicle. It pivots off of its mounting plate on the vehicle's roof to a position parallel and beside the vehicle so the kayak can be loaded on and lashed down to its C shaped cradle. Thereafter, the roof rack may be tilted vertically onto the vehicle's roof and locked into place. There is a brace that is used to lock the cradle assembly in either the vertical or horizontal positions.

Abstract: A cargo loading system for loading or unloading cargo to a motor vehicle. The cargo loading system includes a compartment, a cargo storage device within the compartment, and a positioning mechanism. The cargo storage device includes a stored and loading position. The positioning mechanism controls the movement of the cargo storage device between the stored position and loading position. The loading position is positioned so that it is configured to be ease loading and loading of cargo to and from the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A pivotable luggage locker for a vehicle, the luggage locker including a luggage compartment which has a bottom and the rear wall, and a first holder. The first holder is attached on an outer side of the rear wall and is set up to hold the luggage compartment rotatably. In addition, the luggage locker includes a second holder which is attached in a region of an upper side of the luggage compartment, and an actuating mechanism which is coupled rotatably to the luggage compartment on the second holder and is set up to rotate the luggage compartment about the first holder. Furthermore, a vehicle having a pivotable luggage locker of this type is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for securing, stabilizing, and immobilizing a stack of intermodal chassis has a plurality of elongated, vertical supports, each support having a series of vertically aligned holes. The vertical supports are designed to be aligned adjacent to a stack of intermodal chassis and positioned in spaced relation to each other. A plurality of connector members are secured to the vertical supports and to the horizontally extending frames of the intermodal chassis in order to secure, stabilize, and immobilize the stack of chassis.

Abstract: A child restraint includes an infant carrier having a carry handle. The infant carrier may be mounted on a stroller frame or on a vehicle seat or may be carried by a caregiver after separation from the stroller frame or vehicle seat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle rack comprising a bed mount configured to be mounted on a vehicle bed, the bed mount comprising: a mounting plate including a first portion adjacent to an inner wall of the vehicle bed, a second portion adjacent to an outer wall of the vehicle bed, and a third portion connecting the first and second portions, at least two mounting shaft sleeves attached to the second portion of the mounting plate, and a receptacle configured to be detachably connected to the bed mount, the receptacle comprising: at least two mounting shafts, each configured to be inserted into a corresponding one of the at least two mounting shaft sleeves, a plurality of pairs of through holes in the mounting shafts, and at least one stop pin configured to be positioned within at least one pair of the plurality of pairs of through holes.

Abstract: A hitch mounted lift gate system and method of loading and loading a payload from a cargo vehicle using the lift gate system. The frame and platform of the lift gate system is pivotable relative to the hitch and hitch receiver as between a vertical use position and a horizontal dropped position for facilitating opening and closing of rear doors on the vehicle to which the lift gate system is mounted when the rear doors pivot about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A pick-up truck includes a pick-up bed, a tailgate connected to the pick-up bed, a motor configured to move the tailgate along a path, a camera, and processors. The processors stop the tailgate while the tailgate is automatically moving in response to detecting, via the camera, any object within the path.

Abstract: A vehicle winch game loader. The device includes a central support including a first pulley connected to an upper end thereof. A rear support is connected to the upper end of the central support. A front support includes a rear end connected to a lower end of the central support and a front end having a second pulley connected thereto. The front support extends in a direction opposite the rear support. A crossbar is connected to the lower end of the central support, wherein the crossbar is oriented perpendicular to the front support. A rear end of the rear support is configured to frictionally engage a rear end of a vehicle when the crossbar and the front support are supported on an upper surface of a front end of the vehicle. The device may be utilized to load game or other objects onto the vehicle using the vehicle's winch.

Abstract: A table for use with a vehicle tailgate, including a base member having a top surface and a bottom surface wherein the bottom surface of the base member is operatively arranged to be removably secured to the tailgate of a vehicle; a sliding mechanism having a sliding portion and a guide, wherein the guide is fixedly secured to the top surface of the base member; a center panel, wherein the bottom surface of the center panel is fixedly secured to the sliding portion of the sliding mechanism; left wing and right wing panels, wherein the proximal end of the right wing is pivotably secured to the right edge of the center panel, and wherein the proximal end of the left wing is pivotably secured to the left edge of the center panel; and, a fastener to removably secure the right wing panel and the left wing panel.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a dolly for carrying a heavy object by means of a car with a trailer hitch. The dolly includes a rigid frame adapted to securely hold an object on a front face of the rigid frame. Left and right parallel pneumatic wheels are positioned on a left and right sides the rigid frame, respectively and extending perpendicularly away from the rigid frame opposite a platform. Each of the pneumatic wheels is highway rated. Each of the pneumatic wheels has a hub rotatably mounted to the rigid frame by a flange member projecting perpendicularly from the rigid frame, the flange members positioning the hubs away from the rigid frame such that the hubs are at least several inches from a back face of the rigid frame. The dolly also includes a retractable boom having a trailer hitch coupling on a distal end. The retractable boom is selectively movable between a retracted and extended position. Finally, the dolly includes a lock for releasably locking the retractable boom in its extended position.

Abstract: A configurable cargo retention system with a cargo tray installed in the cargo area of a vehicle for secure transport wherein the cargo tray has a profile conforming to the cargo. The cargo retention system may have a base rail attached to a vehicle, a case support attached to the base rail, a case mount, and a cargo case. The cargo retention system may also retain a cargo case, such as a gun case, tool case, ice chest, or other case that the user wished to hold securely. Case supports may have pivoting rails that are attached to the case mounts which are secured to rails.

Abstract: A roof-top rail system has a fixed frame mountable to the roof of a vehicle and a moveable frame mounted to the fixed frame. Bearings attached to the frames may engage channels formed in rails of the other frame in a manner such that as the moveable frame slides backward relative to the fixed frame, the moveable frame extends from the back side of the fixed frame. Simultaneously, a back end of the moveable frame rotates down as it extends from the fixed frame to improve access to cargo securing features of the moveable frame.

Abstract: A rack assembly includes, among other things, a cargo frame, a cantilever frame, and an actuation system that moves the cargo frame from a stowed position to an intermediate position by sliding the cargo and cantilever frames relative to an anchor frame. The actuation system moves the cargo frame from the intermediate position by sliding the cargo frame relative to the cantilever frame to permit pivoting of the cargo frame relative to the cantilever frame to a loading position. A rack accessing method includes, among other things, sliding a cargo frame and a cantilever frame relative to an anchor frame to move the cargo frame from a stowed position to an intermediate position. The method further includes sliding the cargo frame relative to the cantilever frame to permit pivoting the cargo frame relative to the cantilever frame to move the cargo frame from the intermediate position to a loading position.

Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a decking system and a handrail system, an interface between the decking system and the handrail system, and a support system pivotably coupled to the interface. Other embodiments include a swivel bracket and a method of assembling a ramp assembly.

Abstract: A ladder rack assembly for a work vehicle has a stationary bed for attachment to the roof thereof. A pair of parallel, spaced apart rails has guides thereon that extend from the rails' first ends toward, but short their second ends. Rollers on side edges of a load support member ride on the bed rails. When the rollers are constrained by the guides, only translation of the load support member takes place. Upon exit of the rollers from the rear ends of the guides, both translation and rotation of the load support member can occur. A control arm is pivotally joined at one end to the stationary bed. Its free end has cam actuated latch pin assemblies attached to it that co-act with cams on the stationary bed during rearward displacement of the load support member to latch the load support member to the control arm whereby further rearward movement of the load support member causes it to tilt to a somewhat vertical position.

Abstract: A lifting folding luggage rack includes a telescopic device including a telescopic rod; a turnover device including a frame body fixing rod, a resisting rod, a resisting block and a turnover seat; a turnover device including a frame body fixing rod, a resisting rod, a resisting block and a turnover seat; and a frame body.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting and communicating with a robot includes a vehicle body and a robot dock mechanically coupled to the vehicle body and configured to mechanically couple the robot to the vehicle body. The vehicle also includes an input/output port configured to be electrically coupled to the robot. The vehicle also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) coupled to the input/output port and configured to transmit a signal to the robot via the input/output port to at least one of program the robot or control the robot.

Abstract: A lift assembly for a storage area includes a floor supported by a scissor mechanism, an actuator for raising the floor from a neutral position to an elevated position, a plurality of members attached to the floor, guide members within which the plurality of members move, and a detent movable between an extended position wherein a portion of the detent protrudes into the guide member and contacts one of the at least two members sufficient to resist movement of the at least two members and a retracted position wherein the at least two members freely move within the guide members. The floor is movable between a non-extended position and a fully extended position when the scissor mechanism and the floor are in the neutral position, the elevated position, or any position between the neutral and elevated positions, and may be removed from the assembly.

Abstract: A loading transfer device includes: a carriage adapted for attachment to a lower surface of the rear compartment; a rack to hold the wheelchair or other object; and rotatable linkage means pivotally connecting the rack to the carriage, whereby, as the linkage means is rotated in a substantially continuous forward pivotal motion during a loading cycle, the rack and the wheelchair or other object held thereon are raised from a substantially vertically oriented loading position at the rear of the vehicle in which the rack is adjacent a ground surface rearward of the vehicle to facilitate placement of the wheelchair or other object thereonto, forwardly pivoted through approximately 90°, passing through a point of maximum elevation, and lowered and moving forward simultaneously to a substantially horizontal storage position in which the rack is adjacent and substantially parallel to the carriage in the compartment, the cycle being reversible for unloading; wherein when the rack and the chair or other object are in

Abstract: A vehicle mounted loading and unloading apparatus is provided which has a stationary mounting rack removably attachable to a roof of a vehicle and a top rack that includes a container for storing cargo, such as bales of hay. An adjustment mechanism is provided to move the top rack relative to the mounting rack from a transporting position to a loading/unloading position in which the top rack is lowered behind the vehicle to facilitate loading cargo. A movable shelf may be provided on the top rack for assisting with loading and unloading cargo. The shelf is slidable between a rear end of the top rack and a front end of the top rack for placing the cargo.

Abstract: A vehicle roof top cargo carrier provides pivoting loading/unloading of all types of cargo to and from the carrier via the rear of a vehicle, and, once extended, provides use as a stand/frame for purposes other than carrying cargo. The vehicle roof top cargo carrier has a frame attachable to existing rack members on the roof of the vehicle, a carriage movably carried on the frame and able to pivot with respect to the frame once the carriage is extended from the rear of the frame via cooperating pivot structures of the carriage and the frame. The cooperating pivot structures allow the carriage to pivot from 0° (horizontal) to 90° (vertical), and a support retained on the carriage and configured to adjustably telescope from the rear of the carriage for contacting the ground. The carriage has cargo receptacles for accommodating various types of cargo, and purpose specific attachments for non-cargo functions.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a vehicle roof rack for a sports utility vehicle or another tall vehicle. The rack attaches to the vehicle's roof by way of a base. The rack uses one or more carriers attached to the rack's base, along with removably attachable racks, to hold one or more rooftop objects such as sporting goods, boxes, surfboards, etc., on the roof of the vehicle during operation of the vehicle. The base controllably and safely delivers, and returns, the carriers and objects from the roof to a user working height, such as the chest level of the driver, to the driver or passenger sides of the car and nearby the sides of the car, such that the user can load and unload safely without climbing on the vehicle or going into traffic.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier convertible between a first configuration in which one or more bicycles are accommodated and a second extended configuration in which one or more additional bicycles are accommodated for transport on a carrying vehicle. The bicycle carrier can include a vehicle engaging frame configured to be mounted on a carrying vehicle. An elongate rearward extending support member can be coupled to the frame at a proximate end of the support member by a variably configurable hub configured to set the support member in a plurality of orientations relative to the frame. A manual actuator can be operably coupled to the variably configurable hub by a linkage. A distal end of the support member can be positioned away from the frame and configured to be alternately coupled to the actuator, or an add-on support member that accommodates one or more additional bicycles coupled to the bicycle carrier.

Abstract: A fixed frame has upper, lower, and lateral bars in a vertical frame. A movable frame has inner, outer, and side bars in a horizontal plane. The movable frame includes forward, rearward, and side panels. Hinges pivotably couple the side panels to the side bars allowing movement between a horizontal lowered orientation for loading and unloading cargo and a horizontal raised orientation for transporting cargo. Motion imparting mechanisms couple the movable frame with respect to the fixed frame for moving the movable frame between the lowered and raised orientations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sectional hydraulic valve and a truck mounted forklift incorporating the distributor. The sectional hydraulic valve comprises an inlet cover, a plurality of hydraulic sections and an end cap. The hydraulic sections each having a pump gallery, a tank gallery, an A port, a B port, a spool and a remote pilot gallery. The end cap comprises a pump port coupled to the pump gallery, a tank port coupled to the tank gallery and a connecting conduit between the pump port and the tank port. The end cap further comprises a remote pilot gallery port coupled to the remote pilot gallery, a fluid passageway between the remote pilot gallery port and the connecting conduit, and a valve assembly operable to selectively permit or restrict flow of hydraulic fluid between the connecting conduit in the end cap and the remote pilot gallery in the hydraulic section.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a motor vehicle with a mobile vehicle seat. The seat includes a frame that forms a seating surface and a backrest. An energy source is arranged in the frame. A drive motor is arranged in the frame and connected to the energy source. At least one wheel is arranged on the frame and in drive connection with the drive motor. A control device controls the drive motor, and a first coupling is arranged on the frame to releasably fix the frame to the motor vehicle. A second coupling corresponding to the first coupling of the vehicle seat is arranged on an inside of a vehicle door, which is mounted pivotably on a vehicle superstructure. The second coupling can be brought into releasable engagement with the first coupling of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A convertible roof rack is provided that is generally comprised of a light bar and a roof rack that is spaced from the roof of a vehicle. The roof rack is also rotatably interconnected to a support structure associated with the rear of the vehicle such that it is capable of moving from a first position of use adjacent to the roof to a second position of use away from the roof where the light bar remains interconnected to the vehicle adjacent to the windshield. As such, electrical connections associated with the light bar remain intact when the roof rack is rotated away from the roof.

Abstract: A convertible roof rack is provided that is generally comprised of a front support and a roof rack that is spaced from the roof of a vehicle. The roof rack is also rotatably interconnected to a support structure associated with the rear of the vehicle such that it is capable of moving from a first position of use adjacent to the roof to a second position of use away from the roof where the front support remains interconnected to the vehicle adjacent to the windshield. As such, electrical connections associated with the front support remain intact when the roof rack is rotated away from the roof.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted loading and unloading apparatus is provided which has a stationary mounting rack removably attachable to a roof of a vehicle and a top rack that includes a container for storing cargo, such as bales of hay. A moving mechanism is provided to move the top rack relative to the mounting rack from a transporting position to a loading/unloading position in which the top rack is lowered behind the vehicle to facilitate loading cargo. The top rack is guided from the transporting position to a loading/unloading position by a track structure extending from the mounting rack, which cooperates with a bearing structure fixed to sides of the top rack. A movable shelf may be provided on the top rack for assisting with loading and unloading cargo. The shelf is slidable between a rear end of the top rack and a front end of the top rack for placing the cargo.

Abstract: A cargo management system is provided for a storage area of a motor vehicle. That cargo management system includes a dynamic load floor, a storage tub and a swing arm assembly connecting the dynamic load floor to the storage tub and allowing the dynamic load floor to be selectively positioned into multiple configurations.

Abstract: A system and method for loading items onto a vehicle. The system allows a support to be easily lowered from, for example, the roof of a vehicle towards the ground. The items to be loaded are secured in the supports at a much lower height than the roof of the vehicle to reduce the possibility of injury and eliminate the need of an additional person for loading and unloading objects onto the roof of a vehicle. Once the item is loaded onto the supports, the system can raise the item onto the roof and secure it in a safe position for transportation.

Abstract: A sliding roof rack includes a base frame which is capable of being removably secured to the roof of an automobile and a movable frame which is configured to either lock in position upon the base frame or be slidingly disengaged and be partially tilted over a side of the vehicle. The sliding mechanism permits an upper portion of the movable frame to remain secured to the base frame while the lower portion of the frame is free to pivot downward along the side of the vehicle.