A structure is described which may include a bed, a cargo area which is used to receive an off-road vehicle, and superposed beds which move vertically between a first configuration where the beds are spaced apart in the cargo area and a second configuration where the beds are stowed adjacent to each other.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of the following co-pending applications under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e): (1) U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/491,448, entitled "Vertical Sliding Mechanisms and Systems," filed on Jul. 31, 2003; (2) U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/492,440, entitled "Vertical Sliding Mechanisms and Systems," filed on Aug. 4, 2003; (3) U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/510,270, entitled "Vertical Sliding Mechanisms and Systems," filed on Oct. 9, 2003; (4) U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/534,092, entitled "Apparatus and Method for Moving Items in a Vehicle," filed on Jan. 2, 2004; (5) U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/544,000, entitled "Systems and Methods for Moving Items in a Vehicle," filed on Feb. 12, 2004; (6) U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/560,872, entitled "Systems and Methods for Moving Items in a Vehicle," filed on Apr. 9, 2004; all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
A recreational vehicle is disclosed, comprising a plurality of wheels configured to enable the recreational vehicle to roll along the ground, an interior living space enclosed by a plurality of walls, and a generally U-shaped seating area. In some embodiments, the generally U-shaped seating area may comprise two side couches and an interior couch that utilizes a lower mattress as a seat cushion. An exterior couch may face opposite the interior couch and also utilize the lower mattress as a seat cushion. In some embodiments, the recreational vehicle also comprises tracks for elevating the lower mattress and an upper mattress, and elevated table mounts attached to the bottom of the upper mattress that may be used to store one or more table tops below the upper mattress.
A lift mechanism is mounted to a support for raising and lowering a bed. The lift mechanism is attached to a side of the bed and includes at least one chain, at least one bed bracket connected to the chain, and a drive mechanism for controllably moving the chain to move the bed bracket and the bed between a respective raised position and lowered position. The bed bracket includes a chain connector for connecting to the chain, a chain guide member receiving the chain and attached to the chain connector, and a bed support member attaching to the chain guide member and to the bed. At least a portion of the bed support member is inserted through the chain guide member. The bed bracket is compact and easy to manufacture and provides a secure connection between the lift mechanism and the bed.
An improved RV lift mechanism according to the present invention. In one embodiment, the lift functions by way of an elongated, rotatably mounted acme screw. A bracket slides parallel to the acme screw, securing to an acme screw and an object to be lifted. The acme nut is threaded onto the acme screw and further held from rotation by the bracket. Thus, as the acme screw turns, it presses against the bracket, lifting or lowering both it and its payload.
A device is provided for hoisting a module for mounting into an overhead space, such as the crown of an aircraft fuselage. The device includes a frame that supports the module, and a lifting device that lifts the first frame to properly place the module. The lifting device includes a frame, attachment devices that attach the frame of the lifting device to overhead support frames, and a driving device that moves the frame of the lifting device up the attachment devices. The frame of the lifting device receives the frame that supports the module as the frame of the lifting device is moved by the driving device.
A lifting system is used to move an item between a use position and a stowed position in a vehicle. The item may be an article of furniture, an appliance, a storage unit, a platform, or the like. The lifting system may be motorized and/or utilize a flexible drive to move the item. The lifting system may be used to reciprocally move the item between the use position and the stowed position in a recreational vehicle.
