US3946678A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Convertible vehicle platform and shelf apparatus
Assignee: PROGRESSIVE ENGR DESIGN
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Filing: 1975-01-30
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Granted: 1976-03-30
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Expires: 1995-01-30
Abstract
Abstract A convertible platform and shelf apparatus for a van like vehicle having a compartment comprising a frame strut assembly connected to the inside walls of the compartment and a plurality of utility shelf assemblies that have a plurality of hinged together planar members selectively positionable in rigid coplanar relationship. The shelf assemblies are detachably connectable to the frame strut assembly to form utility areas usable as tables, beds, storage areas or for personnel back support. Retractable leg assemblies are provided for partial support when the shelf assemblies are used as tables. Also provided is a platform assembly that selectively folds into a reversable facing seat or into an elevated platform to serve as a bed or the like.
Inventors
- 👤 II Jackson P. Birge
- 👤 David A. Bradshaw
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 03:35
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60P; B60P3/00; B60P3/32; B60P3/36
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
303 words
A convertible platform and shelf apparatus for a van vehicle or the like having interior sides and a floor, comprising: a frame strut assembly connectable to the interior sides of the vehicle on opposite sides thereof; a first shelf member detachably connectable to the frame strut assembly and extending transversely to the vehicle, the first shelf member characterized as comprising: a first planar member; a second planar member pivotally connected to the first planar member, the first and second planar members selectively positionable in a first mode wherein the planar members are in rigid coplanar relationship and in a second mode wherein the first and second planar members are angularly disposed to each other; retractable leg means connected to the first planar member for selectively supporting the first planar member; a second shelf member detachably connectable to the frame strut assembly and extending transversely to the vehicle, the first shelf member characterized as comprising: a first planar member; a second planar member pivotally connected to the first planar member, the planar members positionable in a first mode wherein the planar members are in rigid coplanar relationship, the second shelf member selectively connectable to the frame strut assembly at an angle to the horizontal, the first shelf member and the second shelf member selectively cooperating to form a seat; a base plate connectable to the floor of the vehicle, the base plate having a top surface; a guide pin connected to the top surface of the base plate generally in the center of the base plate; a seat base assembly slidably supported by the base plate and characterized as comprising a box frame having a guide pin being receivable and slidably retainably by the guide pin track; and platform means connectable to the seat base assembly for selectively forming a seat or a platform.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
303 words
A convertible platform and shelf apparatus for a van vehicle or the like having interior sides and a floor, comprising: a frame strut assembly connectable to the interior sides of the vehicle on opposite sides thereof; a first shelf member detachably connectable to the frame strut assembly and extending transversely to the vehicle, the first shelf member characterized as comprising: a first planar member; a second planar member pivotally connected to the first planar member, the first and second planar members selectively positionable in a first mode wherein the planar members are in rigid coplanar relationship and in a second mode wherein the first and second planar members are angularly disposed to each other; retractable leg means connected to the first planar member for selectively supporting the first planar member; a second shelf member detachably connectable to the frame strut assembly and extending transversely to the vehicle, the first shelf member characterized as comprising: a first planar member; a second planar member pivotally connected to the first planar member, the planar members positionable in a first mode wherein the planar members are in rigid coplanar relationship, the second shelf member selectively connectable to the frame strut assembly at an angle to the horizontal, the first shelf member and the second shelf member selectively cooperating to form a seat; a base plate connectable to the floor of the vehicle, the base plate having a top surface; a guide pin connected to the top surface of the base plate generally in the center of the base plate; a seat base assembly slidably supported by the base plate and characterized as comprising a box frame having a guide pin being receivable and slidably retainably by the guide pin track; and platform means connectable to the seat base assembly for selectively forming a seat or a platform.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the platform means comprises: a platform assembly supported by the seat base assembly comprising a plurality of planar sections pivotally interconnected and selectively positionable in rigid coplanar relationship.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising: lift means disposed in the seat base assembly for selectively raising and positioning the platform assembly in a raised position relative to the seat base assembly.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the lift means comprises: a compressed fluid cyclinder having one end supported by the seat base assembly and having the other end thereof liftingly engagable with the platform assembly; and an adjustable stay member supported by the seat base assembly and selectively positionable to support the platform assembly in the raised position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
154 words
In combination, a vertically disposed frame strut assembly comprising a plurality of generally horizontal support members; a first platform member having hinged planar sections positionable in a first coplanar mode and in a second non-coplanar mode, the first platform detachably supportable by the horizontal support members; a base plate disposed in close proximity to the frame strut assembly and having a top surface portion thereof; a guide pin attached to the top surface of the base plate; a seat base assembly having a guide track slidably and pivotally connected to the guide pin, the seat base assembly supported by the top surface of the base plate; a platform assembly supported by the seat base assembly comprising a plurality of hingedly connected planar sections positionable in a first coplanar mode and in a second seat profile mode; and lift means for selectively raising the platform to a raised position relative to the seat base assembly.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
154 words
In combination, a vertically disposed frame strut assembly comprising a plurality of generally horizontal support members; a first platform member having hinged planar sections positionable in a first coplanar mode and in a second non-coplanar mode, the first platform detachably supportable by the horizontal support members; a base plate disposed in close proximity to the frame strut assembly and having a top surface portion thereof; a guide pin attached to the top surface of the base plate; a seat base assembly having a guide track slidably and pivotally connected to the guide pin, the seat base assembly supported by the top surface of the base plate; a platform assembly supported by the seat base assembly comprising a plurality of hingedly connected planar sections positionable in a first coplanar mode and in a second seat profile mode; and lift means for selectively raising the platform to a raised position relative to the seat base assembly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
The combination of claim 5 wherein the frame strut assembly further comprises back support members and the combination further comprising a second platform member having hinged planar sections positionable in a rigid coplanar mode and supportable to the back support members.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
58 words
The combination of claim 6 wherein the lift means comprises: a compressed fluid cylinder having one end supported by the seat base assembly and having the other end thereof liftingly engageable with the platform assembly; and an adjustable stay member supported by the seat base assembly and selectively positionable to support the platform assembly in the raised position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
148 words
A convertible vehicle platform and shelf apparatus for a van truck or the like having an interior compartment comprising: a frame strut assembly connectable to the interior sides of the compartment on opposite sides thereof; a plurality of platform members each comprising a plurality of planar members hingedly connected in side juxtaposition and selectively positionable in rigid coplanar relationship to each other, each platform member detachably connectable to the frame strut assembly; a base plate connectable to the floor of the vehicle and having a top surface; a guide pin attached to the top surface of the base plate; a seat base assembly slidably supported by the top surface of the base plate and having a guide pin track in slidable and pivotal engagement with a portion of the guide pin; and platform means connectable to the seat base assembly for selectively forming a seat or a platform.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
148 words
A convertible vehicle platform and shelf apparatus for a van truck or the like having an interior compartment comprising: a frame strut assembly connectable to the interior sides of the compartment on opposite sides thereof; a plurality of platform members each comprising a plurality of planar members hingedly connected in side juxtaposition and selectively positionable in rigid coplanar relationship to each other, each platform member detachably connectable to the frame strut assembly; a base plate connectable to the floor of the vehicle and having a top surface; a guide pin attached to the top surface of the base plate; a seat base assembly slidably supported by the top surface of the base plate and having a guide pin track in slidable and pivotal engagement with a portion of the guide pin; and platform means connectable to the seat base assembly for selectively forming a seat or a platform.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
264 words
A convertible platform and shelf apparatus for a van like vehicle having an interior compartment, comprising: a frame strut assembly connected to the interior walls of the compartment on opposite sides thereof; a plurality of platform members each comprising two planar sections connected for hinged pivotation and a selectively positionable and rigid coplanar relationship to each other, the platform members detachably connectable to the frame strut assembly, at least one of the platform members having a retractable support leg selectively extendable to a predetermined length to reach from the platform member to the floor when the platform member is connected to the frame strut assembly; a base plate connected to the floor of the compartment and having a top surface; a guide pin connected to the top surface of the base plate generally in the center of the base plate, the guide plate having a head; a seat base assembly comprising: a box frame having a top and a bottom; a guide pin track connected to the box frame near the bottom thereof and extending along the bottom of the box frame, the bottom of the box frame slidably supported on the top surface of the base plate, the guide pin head retainingly receivable by the guide pin track and the guide pin track slidable and pivotal on the guide pin for guiding movement of the box frame on the base plate; and, locking means for securedly connecting the seat base assembly to the base plate; and, platform means connectable to the seat base assembly for selectively forming a seat for a horizontal platform.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
264 words
A convertible platform and shelf apparatus for a van like vehicle having an interior compartment, comprising: a frame strut assembly connected to the interior walls of the compartment on opposite sides thereof; a plurality of platform members each comprising two planar sections connected for hinged pivotation and a selectively positionable and rigid coplanar relationship to each other, the platform members detachably connectable to the frame strut assembly, at least one of the platform members having a retractable support leg selectively extendable to a predetermined length to reach from the platform member to the floor when the platform member is connected to the frame strut assembly; a base plate connected to the floor of the compartment and having a top surface; a guide pin connected to the top surface of the base plate generally in the center of the base plate, the guide plate having a head; a seat base assembly comprising: a box frame having a top and a bottom; a guide pin track connected to the box frame near the bottom thereof and extending along the bottom of the box frame, the bottom of the box frame slidably supported on the top surface of the base plate, the guide pin head retainingly receivable by the guide pin track and the guide pin track slidable and pivotal on the guide pin for guiding movement of the box frame on the base plate; and, locking means for securedly connecting the seat base assembly to the base plate; and, platform means connectable to the seat base assembly for selectively forming a seat for a horizontal platform.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-03-30 | 1979-09-29 | 1980-03-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-03-30 | 1983-09-29 | 1984-03-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-03-30 | 1987-09-29 | 1988-03-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |