Roof stowage system

Abstract

A roof stowage system includes a support having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The second end is pivotably coupled, at least indirectly, to the roof. A lift is coupled to the support and operable to selectively cause the support to pivot between a first position and a second position. The support is generally parallel with and adjacent to the roof when in the first position. The first end of the support is generally adjacent to a floor when in the second position.

1 . (canceled) 
   
   
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       9 . A trailer, comprising:
 a body having a roof, a floor, and opposing side walls defining an interior space;   wheels coupled to the body;   a hitch coupled to the body for coupling the body to a vehicle;   an opening formed in the roof;   a support having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second end pivotably coupled to the body;   a lift coupled to the body and to the support and operable to selectively cause the support to pivot between first position and a second position;   wherein the support is generally positioned within the opening and parallel with the roof when in the first position; and   wherein the support is positioned within the interior space with the first end generally adjacent to the floor when in the second position.   
   
   
       10 . The trailer of  claim 9 , wherein the support comprises:
 one or more arms having first and second ends, the second arm end or ends being the second end of the support;   a planar surface having a first end and a second end opposite the planar surface first end, the planer surface having a pivot point at which the planer surface is pivotably coupled to the one or more arms, the planer surface first end being the first end of the support.   
   
   
       11 . The trailer of  claim 10 , wherein the lift is coupled to the support at or near the pivot point of the planar surface. 
   
   
       12 . The trailer of  claim 9 , wherein the lift comprises a winch operable to retract and release a cable, the cable coupled to the support. 
   
   
       13 . The trailer of  claim 9 , wherein the lift comprises a hydraulic system having one or more hydraulic cylinders and pistons coupled to the support. 
   
   
       14 . The trailer of  claim 9 , wherein, when in the second position, the support is positioned within the interior space to allow one or more cargo items to be placed on the support and when caused, by the lift, to pivot to the first position, the support is positioned to allow roof stowage of the one or more items. 
   
   
       15 . The trailer of  claim 9 , wherein:
 a first of the sidewalls includes an side access door;   the second end of the support is pivotably coupled to the body generally along an axis that is generally parallel and adjacent to an intersection of the roof and a second of the sidewalls, the second sidewall being opposite the first sidewall;   when in the second position the support is positioned within the interior space and is accessible through the side access door.   
   
   
       16 . The trailer of  claim 9 , further comprising a rear access defining at least a portion of a plane that is perpendicular to the sidewalls, the floor and the roof, the rear access being positioned generally opposite the hitch relative to the body, and wherein:
 the second end of the support is pivotable coupled to the body generally along an axis that is generally parallel and adjacent to the roof and generally perpendicular to the sidewalls;   when in the second position the support is positioned within the interior space and is accessible through the rear access door.   
   
   
       17 . The trailer of  claim 16 , wherein the second end of the support is pivotably coupled to the body generally along an axis that is generally adjacent to an intersection of the roof with a front wall of the body, the front wall being opposite the rear access relative to the body. 
   
   
       18 . The trailer of  claim 18 , wherein the roof includes a first section and a second section adjacent to the first section, the first section including the opening, and wherein the second end of the support is pivotably coupled to the body at or generally adjacent to the second section. 
   
   
       19 . (canceled) 
   
   
       20 . A trailer, comprising:
 a body having a roof, a floor, and opposing side walls defining an interior space for containing cargo;   wheels coupled to the body;   a means for coupling the body to a vehicle;   an opening formed in the roof,   a means for supporting one or more cargo items, the means for supporting having a first end and a second end opposite the first end;   a means for pivotably coupling the second end to the body;   a means for selectively causing the means for supporting to pivot between first position and a second position;   wherein the means for supporting is generally positioned within the opening and parallel with the roof when in the first position allowing for roof stowage of the one or more cargo items; and   wherein the means for supporting is positioned within the interior space with the first end generally adjacent to the floor when in the second position allowing the one or more cargo items to be placed on or removed from the means for supporting.