Vehicle Attached Patents (Class 5/118)
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Patent number: 6718574Abstract: A pneumatically supported bunk assembly is dynamically leveled using compressed air provided by the vehicle. Level sensors determine deviation from the horizontal. Extension sensors associated with the pneumatic cylinders prevent over or under extension of the pneumatic cylinders.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2003Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: James C. Bradley, Rodney J. Klinger, Joseph Thaddeus Tiglao Penaloza
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Patent number: 6711762Abstract: A bed is provided for a vehicle with two adjacent seats separated from each other so that a gap is defined therebetween. The bed has a body that includes a first end disposed on one seat and a second disposed on the other seat. The bed bridges the gap between the seats. The width of the body is adjustable for fitting on the seats.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: KTK Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Olenick, Mark S. Olenick, Craig W. Smith
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Patent number: 6698818Abstract: A slideout-bed coupling system for a recreational vehicle that allows the bed to be positioned at desirable locations when the slideout is in retracted and extended configurations. By selectively coupling the slideout to the bed during the movement operation of the slideout, the bed's position relative to its surrounding can be controlled. In one embodiment, the bed's axis is oriented to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the recreational vehicle, and the bed partially moves when the slideout extends. As such, when the slideout is in the retracted configuration, the bed can be positioned to provide selected access to the one or more side of the bed. When the slideout is in the extended configuration, the coupling system allows the bed to be positioned to provide enhanced accessible clearance to both sides of the bed.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.Inventor: Johnnie R. Crean
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Patent number: 6691952Abstract: An aircraft medical unit comprises a front panel configured to fit in an aircraft cabin so as to form a divider inside the cabin and a spaced rear panel of substantially the same shape as that of the front panel. A side panel is constructed between the front and rear panels, and the front, rear and side panels defines a chamber. An access opening is formed in the front panel. A stretcher frame is provided and is movable between a folded and stowed position in the chamber and an unfolded and extended position to the outside of the chamber. The aircraft medical unit further includes at least one item of medical equipment used in the treatment of a patient.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventor: Marvin Keogh
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Publication number: 20040003463Abstract: A chair and bed combination in the cab of a vehicle, which chair comprises a seat part and a backrest which are pivotably connected to each other about a first substantially horizontal axis between the lowered sleeping position and a position in which it is folded up against a wall, and a first frame which is arranged in the vehicle cab and on which the chair rests. When the chair is in the folded-down position, the first frame and the chair are arranged under the bed when the bed is lowered into a substantially horizontal sleeping position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventors: Sture Kjellberg, Glen Barlow
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Patent number: 6671900Abstract: The Bed Leveler/Adjuster, when mounted into the sleeping cavity of a tractor truck, is a lightweight, economical, compact in height bed frame assembly that will either level the head and foot ends of the sleeping mattress when needed, or allow three seperate vertically adjustable sections of the sleeping mattress to be operated by the user to recline in a combination of ways. The Bed Leveler/Adjuster is operated by the use of a control unit that is powered by regulated air pressure supplied by the tractor truck.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventor: Waldon E. Davis
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Patent number: 6671901Abstract: The invention refers to a bed with a mattress pad supported in a three-dimensionally movable manner and a bedstead with legs, which supports the mattress. The mattress pad is in springy or not springy, but yielding manner attached to the bedstead. Sensors are arranged spaced across the surface of the mattress pad, to detect the local lowering of the mattress pad during loading; and lifting means reacting to the local lowering also arranged spaced across the surface of the mattress pad between the mattress pad and the bedstead, to align the mattress pad in the horizontal disregarding the locally different loading. The sensors and the lifting means are formed as double-acting pressure cylinders, which are connected in cross-wise manner with regard to each other. (FIG.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventor: Uta Zenczykowski
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Patent number: 6668397Abstract: A bed is provided for a vehicle with two adjacent seats separated from each other so that a gap is defined therebetween. The bed has a body that includes a first end disposed on one seat and a second disposed on the other seat. The bed bridges the gap between the seats. The width of the body is adjustable for fitting on the seats.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: KTK Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Olenick, Mark S. Olenick, Craig W. Smith
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Patent number: 6644724Abstract: A modular bunk assembly or module provides for easy in situ installation of the bunk in an extended cab truck by compacting to a slab like profile for shipment and handling and easily expanding in the cab for installation. The bunk is readily adapted to provide attachment points corresponding to common attachment points for vehicle seats. The bunk further provides a readily reached storage area under a bed platform. Restraints may already be installed on the module when it is shipped to an automotive assembly plant.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Joseph T. Penaloza, James W. Miller
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Publication number: 20030192120Abstract: A storable bed assembly primarily for recreational vehicles permits the lowering and raising of the bed using a pair of rear guides fixed to a wall of the recreational vehicle, and a pair of swing arm guides at the front corners of the bed frame. Linkages are provided to couple the corners of the bed frame to the guides. Counterbalancing springs in the form of compressed gas cylinders are provided to assist in raising the bed assembly to the stored position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Applicant: National RV Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Charles L. Bailey
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Patent number: 6631526Abstract: A bed assembly is disclosed for use within a moving vehicle which vehicle includes a base support floor and a plurality of side wall members. The bed assembly includes a frame adapted to support a mattress and which has a generally rectangular perimeter. A plurality of attachment members are secured to the vehicle and are spaced about the perimeter of the frame. A plurality of tension elements interconnect the frame and the attachment members. Finally, a plurality of adjustable shock absorbing and dampening devices interconnect the frame and the vehicle base support floor to provide vertical support to the frame. The shock absorbing and dampening devices are aligned angularly relative to the frame to cooperate with the tension elements to dampen the fore-and-aft, lateral and vertical motion of the frame relative to the vehicle base support floor and side wall members during movement of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2000Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Inventor: Russell V. Enright
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Patent number: 6629322Abstract: The present invention relates to a manual assisted vertical lift bed used for increased sleeping capacity, storage and space in a confined living space. The lift bed may also provide safe operation for lowering and raising the lift bed through use of a bed frame, safety devices, and movement means.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Skyline CorporationInventor: Myron D. Monroe
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Patent number: 6612606Abstract: A protective device (1) by a bed (5) in a vehicle (8), includes at least a catching part (3, 4) for a person (9) lying in the bed (5), which part can be arranged at least partly around the bed (5). The catching part (3, 4) can be inflated.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventors: Eddy Bergenheim, Anna Mattsdotter
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Patent number: 6601893Abstract: A platform and platform support system for an occupant cabin of a vehicle. The platform support system has a primary supporting structure and a prop, the combination of which provide full support for the platform. The prop of the platform support system can be engaged to one of a plurality of prop support points. The platform is supported in a different unique position by the platform support system when the prop is engaged to each different one of the plurality of prop support points. The platform includes accommodations for storing the prop in the platform when the prop is not in use as a support for the platform. The platform and platform support system can be included as part of a bed for the occupant cabin of a vehicle. Because the platform can be selectively supported in one of a plurality of unique positions, a user of the bed can configure the platform support system to provide a bed that is positioned to allow for a more comfortable sleeping environment for various circumstances.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Joseph Thaddeus T. Penaloza, Michael L. Noll
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Publication number: 20030140416Abstract: A bed is provided for a vehicle with two adjacent seats separated from each other so that a gap is defined therebetween. The bed has a body that includes a first end disposed on one seat and a second disposed on the other seat. The bed bridges the gap between the seats. The width of the body is adjustable for fitting on the seats.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Applicant: KTK Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Olenick, Mark S. Olenick, Craig W. Smith
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Publication number: 20030140415Abstract: A bed is provided for a vehicle with two adjacent seats separated from each other so that a gap is defined therebetween. The bed has a body that includes a first end disposed on one seat and a second disposed on the other seat. The bed bridges the gap between the seats. The width of the body is adjustable for fitting on the seats.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Applicant: KTK Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Olenick, Mark S. Olenick, Craig W. Smith
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Patent number: 6578906Abstract: A platform and platform support system for an occupant cabin of a vehicle. The platform support system has a primary supporting structure and a prop, the combination of which provide full support for the platform. The prop of the platform support system can be engaged to one of a plurality of prop support points. The platform is supported in a different unique position by the platform support system when the prop is engaged to each different one of the plurality of prop support points. The platform includes accommodations for storing the prop in the platform when the prop is not in use as a support for the platform. The platform and platform support system can be included as part of a bed for the occupant cabin of a vehicle. Because the platform can be selectively supported in one of a plurality of unique positions, a user of the bed can configure the platform support system to provide a bed that is positioned to allow for a more comfortable sleeping environment for various circumstances.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2002Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Joseph Thaddeus T. Penaloza, Michael L. Noll
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Patent number: 6578905Abstract: The invention provides a stowable ladder mechanism for an overhead bed or upper berth in a bunk bed. A horizontal linear guide is vertically spaced above a horizontal support surface and associated with a bed or berth. The rungs of the ladder are supported between two vertical uprights, one of which is fixed at one end of the berth and the second of which is coupled to the horizontal linear guide and translates across the horizontal support surface along one side of the bed. The plurality of rungs include swing sections mounted on hinges which hang vertically when the translatable vertical upright is positioned adjacent to the fixed vertical upright. When the translatable upright is positioned away from the fixed upright, the swing sections are supported in a horizontal position.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, L.L.C.Inventors: Matthew Buchanan, Joseph T. Penaloza
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Patent number: 6557190Abstract: A storable bed assembly primarily for recreational vehicles permits the lowering and raising of the bed using a pair of rear guides fixed to a wall of the recreational vehicle, and a pair of swing arm guides at the front corners of the bed frame. Linkages are provided to couple the corners of the bed frame to the guides. Counterbalancing springs in the form of compressed gas cylinders are provided to assist in raising the bed assembly to the stored position.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: National RV Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Charles L. Bailey
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Publication number: 20030041377Abstract: A storable bed assembly primarily for recreational vehicles permits the lowering and raising of the bed using a pair of rear guides fixed to a wall of the recreational vehicle, and a pair of swing arm guides at the front corners of the bed frame. Linkages are provided to couple the corners of the bed frame to the guides. Counterbalancing springs in the form of compressed gas cylinders are provided to assist in raising the bed assembly to the stored position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2001Publication date: March 6, 2003Applicant: National RV Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Charles L. Bailey
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Patent number: 6505363Abstract: A device for adjusting the plane of a mattress for changing the orientation of a plane of a mattress in a semi-truck. The device for adjusting the plane of a mattress includes a housing. The housing has a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The first side wall has a hole extending therethrough. The front wall has an opening extending therethrough. Each of a plurality of pistons is securely mounted in the housing. Each of the pistons is positioned in a different corner of the housing such that each of the corners of the housing has a piston located generally adjacent thereto. Each of a plurality of shafts is extendably positioned in one of the pistons. Each of the pistons is adapted to selectively extend the shafts upwardly through the top wall. Each of a plurality of air pumps is operationally coupled to a pair of the pistons respectively positioned adjacent to one of the side walls.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2000Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Inventor: Rocky E. Davis
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Patent number: 6505362Abstract: An air suspension bed for use in over-the-road trucks which utilizes an automotive air shock and a mechanical suspension to support a mattress, for use while a truck is in motion.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Inventor: Thomas Scipio
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Patent number: 6497449Abstract: A surface mount slide-out support system has rollers rotatably mounted to its side walls spaced apart and received in inwardly opening U-shaped channels of a frame. The channels have gear racks affixed to than with pinion gears meshing with die racks on a common shaft and an electric motor driving the shaft. Nylon bearings between the rails and the rollers help prevent racking.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Actuant CorporationInventors: Douglas R. Graf, Robert H. Schneider
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Patent number: 6493886Abstract: A mattress suspension system for a vehicle for comfortably supporting an individual resting upon a mattress within a moving vehicle. The mattress suspension system for a vehicle includes a lower frame attached to a floor of a vehicle, a plurality of pivot members pivotally attached to the lower frame and pivotally attached to a pair of first support members and a pair of second support members, a first shaft and a second shaft attached to the first support members and slidably extending through the pair of second support members, a plurality of pivot members pivotally attached to the first and second support members extending upwardly and pivotally attached to an upper frame, a support device attached between the lower frame and the upper frame, and a shock attached between the upper frame and the lower frame. The support device is preferably comprised of an air sleeve or other device capable of providing an upward force upon the upper frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Inventors: Jeffrey D. Vanpage, Henry H. Morrow
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Patent number: 6470517Abstract: A foldable bed for a vehicle, and more particularly a foldable bed for a vehicle which can be folded for storage in a trunk and unfolded for installation in the vehicle in case of necessity. It is an object of the invention to provide a foldable bed for a vehicle which can utilize spaces in the passenger's seat and back side of seats to serve for a rest in case of tiredness and to easily evacuate an emergent patient.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Inventor: Jun-Yeon Kang
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Patent number: 6421856Abstract: A baby changing table having an upper front section and a lower rear section, with the upper front section being secured about the headrest and around the seat hinges of the front seat of an automobile, and with the lower section extending at an angle rearwardly towards the back seat, but falling short thereof, although onto the knees of a parent or adult sitting there, and whose knees support the lower section and an infant placed thereon to be cleaned and changed—all whether the automobile is moving or preferably, when it is stationary.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Thomas A. Furnback
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Publication number: 20020078500Abstract: A device for adjusting the plane of a mattress for changing the orientation of a plane of a mattress in a semi-truck. The device for adjusting the plane of a mattress includes a housing. The housing has a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The first side wall has a hole extending therethrough. The front wall has an opening extending therethrough. Each of a plurality of pistons is securely mounted in the housing. Each of the pistons is positioned in a different corner of the housing such that each of the corners of the housing has a piston located generally adjacent thereto. Each of a plurality of shafts is extendably positioned in one of the pistons. Each of the pistons is adapted to selectively extend the shafts upwardly through the top wall. Each of a plurality of air pumps is operationally coupled to a pair of the pistons respectively positioned adjacent to one of the side walls.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2000Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventor: Rocky E. Davis
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Patent number: 6405391Abstract: A bunk for a bunk arrangement in a truck cab has at a free edge vertical safety belts preferably attached to the ceiling of the cab, and a safety net. At its free edge the bunk has a longitudinal cartridge for the safety net. A net rod at the upper edge of the net has a locking device at each belt, the locking device guiding the rod along the belt and locking it thereto unless manually released against spring bias.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Klippan Safety ABInventor: Anders Hakansson
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Patent number: 6367839Abstract: A restraint system for protecting occupants in a sleeping compartment of a vehicle having a bunk bed includes at least two flexible straps having one end attached to a selected one of the vehicle or the bunk, and a second end. Attached to the straps is at least one energy absorbent padding in a position relative to the bunk bed for providing restraint and secondary collision protection to a prone occupant. The straps extend from the vehicle over the bunk bed to the second ends. A releasable lock is attached to the second ends for connecting the second ends to the vehicle or bunk. When not in use, the restraint system is conveniently stored so as to provide minimal impact on cab space. A strap retraction means is attached to the vehicle and has the first ends of the straps attached thereto. The strap retraction means is operable to retract the straps when the releasable lock is unlatched whereby the straps collapse into a stored position.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1999Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.Inventor: Richard V. Langhoff
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Patent number: 6327726Abstract: A baby diaper-changing pad suitable for use in a passenger motor vehicle having at least two rows of seats has a roll-up mat of an elastic material which has at two opposite ends straps and/or loops by which the mat can be affixed to two head supports of two seats of the vehicle disposed one behind the other in the direction of travel. A soft baby pad is provided on the inner side between the ends with the straps and/or loops. The arrangement of the baby pad on the mat and the dimensions of the mat and of its straps and/or loops are chosen such that, when the mat is affixed to the head supports, it rests in that area with its exterior on a seat surface of the rear seat in the direction of travel in which the baby pad is disposed on the inner side of the mat.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1999Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventor: Norbert Weber
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Publication number: 20010044959Abstract: The Bed Leveler/Adjuster, when mounted into the sleeping cavity of a tracor truck, is a lightweight, economical, compact in heigth bed frame assembly that will either level the head and foot ends of the sleeping matress when needed, or allow three seperate vertically adjustable sections of the sleeping mattress to be operated by the user to recline in a combination of ways. The Bed Leveler/Adjuster is operated by the use of control unit wherein is powered by regulated air pressure supplied by the tractor truck.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2001Publication date: November 29, 2001Inventor: Waldon E. Davis
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Patent number: 6321399Abstract: A bunk front (10) is disclosed for use with a bunk (12) in a vehicle such as a tractor. The bunk front (10) is formed of an extrusion (22) with a first portion (24) and a second portion (28). The first portion (24) has an upper section (32) and a lower section (34) forming an opening therebetween (26). The first portion (24) is secured on the front end of the bunk (12) by a series of teeth (40) on the first and second sections (32, 34), the wedging of the sections and, preferably an adhesive as well. The second portion (28) forms a step (30) which can be either covered by or exposed by a covering (64) depending on whether the bunk front (10) is to be utilized as a step or not.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Paccar INCInventor: Wade J. Walterscheid
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Patent number: 6269497Abstract: A waterbed mattress system for recreational vehicles and, in particular, to a waterbed system for a recreational vehicle having a cabin or sleeping area or space or flat or truck bed which includes a waterbed mattress which can be filled from a source of water internal or external to the vehicle through the side, wall or floor of the vehicle via a series of tubes and a pump.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1999Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Inventor: William L. Renfro
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Patent number: 6263527Abstract: An improved sleeper bed for over-the-road trucks comprises a first upper frame and a second lower frame with an air spring mounted between the first and second frames for dampening the movement of the frames toward one another. A pair of scissors-like struts extend between the upper and lower frames and allow the upper frame to move up and down according to the amount of force thereon. A pair of pillow block bearings are mounted to braces on the lower frame. A pair of guide rods extend downwardly from the upper frame and are telescopically received in respective pillow block bearings. The pillow block bearings allow the guide rods to shift or pivot slightly when horizontal forces are experienced by the sleeper bed so as to reduce the shock felt by a user thereon.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Inventors: Scott F. Ross, Randolph Q. Ross
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Patent number: 6234551Abstract: A stopper 14 is arranged between a positioning piece 6 and a rear side locking pawl 13. When forward operation force is exerted on an operation grip from the outside, the stopper 14 is projected in the outside direction of the radius of a main body pipe 2 so as to allow the rear side locking pawl 13 to be locked. When the rear side locking pawl 13 is in the lock state, if the stopper 14 is pushed by other leg pipe 50B, it is retracted in the inside direction of the radius of the main body pipe 2 and allows the rear side locking pawl 13 to be removed rearward.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Toyo Seiko Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshiya Matsumura
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Patent number: 6230340Abstract: A camper cot assembly, for use on a pick-up truck having a bed having bed sides extending upward from the bed, comprising a frame and a sturdy fabric covering extending between the frame. The frame comprises a pair of main members which extend between the bed sides, and a pair of stabilizing supports which extend between the main members at the ends thereof. The stabilizing supports prevent the main members from sliding toward each other when a person lays upon the fabric covering. The main members are configured so as to allow the cot assembly to rest upon the bed sides with or without a camper shell also installed thereupon.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1999Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Inventor: Bruce Edwards
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Patent number: 6231114Abstract: A movable bed frame for installation in a conventional trailer and which has a unique counterbalance system for raising the bed frame to a horizontal up or storage position and for lowering the bed frame in a horizontal down position. The counterbalance system is produced by pressurized gas pistons secured to the bed frame and to side walls of the trailer which balances the bed frame so well that a child eight years old can raise and lower the bed frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1999Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Inventor: Mark Warmoth
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Patent number: 6212710Abstract: The folding vehicle bed assembly includes a housing member that can be connected to a vertical support wall and a bed frame that can be stored within the housing member or extended for use. A movable support lever provides a first pivotal connection to the bed frame to enable the bed frame to rotate when moved from an operative horizontal position to a vertical storage position. A second pivotal connection is attached to the end of the bed frame adjacent to the vertical support wall and above the height of a mattress. A motor assembly is connected to the second pivotal connection to drive it parallel to the vertical support wall and to rotate the end of the bed frame about the second pivotal connection.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Thomas G. Jones
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Patent number: 6163900Abstract: Folding furniture for recreational vehicles (RVs). The furniture includes a seating portion, a back portion, two sets of foldover arms, and a pair of hinging brackets. The seating and back portions have a front edge, left and right side edges, and a rear edge, and have an upper surface and a lower surface. Each set of foldover arms includes two non-straight arm portions, each with a seating portion connecting end and a back portion connecting end. The seating portion connecting ends are pivotally connected to the side edges of the seating portion, and the back portion connecting ends are pivotally connected to the side edges of the back portion, to form a pivotally attached together seating and back portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Inventor: Edward Stevenson
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Patent number: 6152400Abstract: Sleeping units such as bunks or cabins are arranged in a space efficient manner in the lower lobe of an aircraft, accessible from the main passenger cabin by a stairway or elevator. The space efficient arrangement of sleeping units can include bunks extending longitudinally along one side of a longitudinal aisle and bunks extending transversely of the aircraft at the other side of the aisle. Access to the transversely extending bunks can be by short cross-aisles. At least one portion of the passenger compartment can have a floor lowered relative to the normal cargo floor to provide additional headroom in the aisle, while another portion of the sleeping compartment can rest on the cargo floor for conversion between a passenger rest area configuration and a standard cargo carrying configuration.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1998Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mithra M. K. V. Sankrithi, Marlyn E. Kyle
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Patent number: 6134724Abstract: An extendable bed assembly that is movable between a first stowed position and a second sleep position includes a mattress, a base panel for supporting the mattress, a bed platform for slideably supporting the base panel and allowing it to slide between the stowed position and sleep position, and a bolster cushion for filling a gap formed between the mattress and the bed platform when in the sleep position. A locking assembly is associated with the bed platform and base panel for selectively restricting movement between the bed platform and base panel. Bed side panels are attached to the base panel for laterally aligning the mattress on the base panel and for guiding relative movement between the base panel and bed platform.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Inventor: Sue E. Brown
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Patent number: 6094758Abstract: A waterbed mattress system for boats and, in particular, to a waterbed system for a boat having a cabin at least partially below a deck which includes a waterbed mattress which can be filled from a body of water surrounding the boat through the hull of the boat or from an internal or external supply through a series of tubes and a pump.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1998Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Inventor: William L. Renfro
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Patent number: 6073883Abstract: A rest area is provided in the crown of an aircraft, above the ceiling of the main passenger cabin. The rest area includes a longitudinally extending aisle having a floor lowered into the overhead bin structure of the passenger cabin, and raised beds accessible from the aisle. The beds can extend longitudinally at opposite sides of the aisle, or transversely of the aircraft with end access from the aisle. The rest area can incorporate a lounge consisting of a couch, recliners, and/or storage units, with an enlarged passing area for users of the rest area. The overhead rest area provides a convenient, comfortable resting area, such as for pilots and attendants, without affecting the revenue generating capability of the seating configuration of the main passenger cabin, or the cargo carrying capably of the lower lobe of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Kim G. Ohlmann, Mark E. Wentland, Richard C. Burnham, Mithra M. K. V. Sankrithi, Richard J. Mazzone
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Patent number: 6058529Abstract: An infant car bed for a vehicle comprises a resilient, flexible shell having front, rear, and end portions attached to a bottom portion for transporting a recumbent infant. Front, rear, and end portions include interior and exterior walls which encase a plurality of hollow chambers separated by partitions. Air within the chambers is expelled through the channels when the volume of the chambers is reduced as a result of pressure being exerted upon an exterior wall. Air is drawn back into the chambers when pressure on the wall is relieved to restore the volume of the chamber. The controlled exhaust of air from the chambers absorbs energy from a direct impact with the car bed. Front and rear shell portions further include a recess for securing the car bed to a seat by guiding a seat belt around the front side of the car bed. Straps are mounted to the rear portion of the shell through which a seat belt may be inserted to further secure the car bed to a seat.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Inventor: John B. Goysich
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Patent number: 5966755Abstract: A custom fit, inflatable air mattress, having a unitary, or one piece structure, that can be used in a variety situations such as in the flatbed of a pickup truck, station wagon, van or the like, and is designed to accurately and snugly conform around the protruding wheel well compartments.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Inventor: James J. Pittman
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Patent number: 5967054Abstract: A removable cargo shelf assembly for a vehicle includes a platform assembly, a removable frame assembly and an elongated member. The platform assembly includes at least one panel. The removable frame assembly includes support means for maintaining that at least one panel in a first substantially horizontal position at a desired elevation relative to the floor of the vehicle. The elongated member is operably engageable with the panel for maintaining the panel in a second stowed position.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1996Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: R & G Ventures, LLCInventor: Timothy D. Rosenfeld
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Patent number: 5857230Abstract: A combination motorcycle hammock and jack which, when used as a hammock, includes a cargo carrier rack support structure preferably attached to the cargo carrier rack of a motorcycle, an outwardly extending motorcycle hammock extension arm, a vertical support member and a lightweight flexible fabric material stretched from the outwardly extending motorcycle hammock extension arm to, for example, opposing handlebars of the motorcycle. Alternatively, the cargo carrier rack support structure could be placed underneath the motorcycle frame and the motorcycle hammock extension arm could be pivoted downwardly about a fulcrum to act as a lever and cause the motorcycle cargo carrier rack support structure to lift and support at least a portion of the motorcycle to permit, for example, repair and/or replacement of a flat tire.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Inventor: James H. Dowdy
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Patent number: 5852838Abstract: The instant invention provides a cushion for use with sloped vehicle seats, to provide a substantially level and horizontal surface upon which to change infant's diapers. The cushion features a top surface and a bottom surface, with the bottom surface being angled slightly relative to the top surface. The cushion has a generally triangular cross section, featuring a relatively thin front edge, and a relatively thick rear edge. The angle between the top and bottom surfaces roughly matches the slope of the vehicle seat, so that when the cushion is placed on a sloped seat with the thick edge toward the rear and with the thin edge toward the front, the top surface is substantially level and horizontal. The cushion can be provided with one or more torso supports on the top surface to further stabilize the infant. The bottom surface of the cushion can be provided with one or more cut-outs to lighten the cushion and allow it to conform to the seat surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Inventor: Christopher W. Johnson
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Patent number: 5833308Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in the operation of a firearm by a person from the interior of a vehicle, the vehicle including a door having and interior and exterior surface and a retractable window therebetween. The apparatus includes in a first embodiment, a shooting platform having of a generally horizontal first support surface, a generally horizontal second support surface located above the first support surface and an inclined support surface therebetween. The shooting platform is supported by a support member extending downwardly from the shooting platform and resting on the exterior surface of the vehicle door. The apparatus is releasably mounted on the retractable window by a pair of opposed walls which engage the retractable window therebetween. The shooting platform is adjusted by a retractable post. The invention further includes another apparatus to aid in shooting a firearm while outside the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1997Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Still Strong CorporationInventors: John H. Strong, III, Joseph Gualtier, John Lee Still, Patricia Anne Fordyce
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Patent number: 5822813Abstract: A motion compensated apparatus that can be used as a sleeping platform, stabilizer. The discomfort and danger of a moving surface associated with a ship at sea is well known. The motion of such a surface causes considerable distress in humans and animals. Servos can expand and contract to position the upper portion of the assembly at various angles with respect to the lower portion and to cancel accelerations caused by pitching and rolling. The servos can be controlled by a control system that is driven by a set of motion sensors or a gyro. The sensors or gyro sense the instantaneous position of the deck with respect to an absolute level virtual reference plane. The control system continuously adjusts the apparatus to remain parallel to the absolute level plane. The system contains a quick enough response to track the fast motion encountered on a ship to yield a smooth and comfortable ride according to control system principles.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1995Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Inventor: Tyrone E. Powell