Vehicle with adjustable occupancy space

Abstract

A vehicle for providing adjustable occupant space has a fixed occupiable section defining a first interior space. The fixed occupiable section includes a number of ground engaging wheels and has a floor affixed to a number of walls. Also included is an expandable occupiable section moveably coupled to the fixed section which also has a floor fixed to at least one wall. The expandable section defines a second interior space intersecting the first interior space which is moveable relative to the first interior space to vary an amount of total living space defined by the fixed and expandable sections. A carriage for supporting the expandable section and selectively positioning it relative to the fixed section is included to adjust volume of the living space defined by both sections. This carriage includes at least one arm pivotably anchored to the first section which engages the expandable section in a load bearing relationship. An actuator with a stationary member fixed to the expandable section and a positioning member coupled to the load bearing arm is included. This positioning member is configured to selectively move relative to the stationary member in response to activation of the actuator to rotate the arms and correspondingly adjust the living space. By way of example, a coupling member provided on the load bearing arm is threaded onto a threaded shaft coupled to a motor, the coupling member and arm rotating with rotation of the threaded shaft.