Lift Panel Design Question

[scheefdog]

Does anyone know if the patent is still active on the FWC lift panel design? I know it was originally filed in the 70s and I believe most patents expire after 25 years. Therefore I think it must be expired, but I'm guessing someone on here knows for sure.

Also on a roof lift note - has anyone seen another roof lift system that works well and is as simple as the FWC lift panels?

I am asking these questions for a custom build project that might turn into more than that.

 

[DanoT]

My Phoenix camper from Coyote RV has a simple lift system. It pivots up and down on a north-south axis which is opposite to FWC and there are no solid flip up end panels as it is fabric on all four sides.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Does anyone know if the patent is still active on the FWC lift panel design? I know it was originally filed in the 70s and I believe most patents expire after 25 years. Therefore I think it must be expired, but I'm guessing someone on here knows for sure.

Also on a roof lift note - has anyone seen another roof lift system that works well and is as simple as the FWC lift panels?

I am asking these questions for a custom build project that might turn into more than that.

Since ATC uses the same general design, I’d assume no patent issue. That said, I’d check with the Feds before going into business.

 

[ckent323]

I believe the applicable patent is US4201413A "Lift apparatus for camper top" which was granted May 6, 1980 and is now expired. Patents are valid for 20 years after the grant date (which may be one of more years after the actual patent application date).

Ref: https://patents.google.com/patent/US4201413A/en


BTW: The spring loaded piano hinges are a critical feature in this design and it works poorly or not at all without the springs,

Ref: http://buildatruckcamper.com/how-to-build/design-ideas/pop-up/four-wheel-camper-roof-lift/2/

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Correct if I am mistaken but that's why ATC had to wait until 2005 to start building their first campers.
After Marty and crew left FWC and started ATC.
Frank

 

[ckent323]

Not infrequently patents are "fenced" with newer mods that improve the original design. It may be appropriate to check for those but it is not clear that matters if you want to build exact replacements.

BTW: My opinion. If you build something covered by a patent for yourself and, importantly, do not sell any copies there is little risk in copying something that is covered by a patent. It is my understanding that it is not legal to do so but it is unlikely a patent holder would pursue expensive legal claims against someone infringing for one time personal use. I am a patent holder so I understand a little bit about this.

 

[craig333]

1980. Did they not bother to patent it back when they first started making campers?

 

[pvstoy]

Correct if I am mistaken but that's why ATC had to wait until 2005 to start building their first campers.
After Marty and crew left FWC and started ATC.
Frank

Correct me too. But it was my understanding that there was 1 year do not compete claus when Ben sold the company. for Ben, Marty and crew to start ATC had to satisfy that requirement.

 

[scheefdog]

My Phoenix camper from Coyote RV has a simple lift system. It pivots up and down on a north-south axis which is opposite to FWC and there are no solid flip up end panels as it is fabric on all four sides.

I have seen a video of the Phoenix system, but have never seen one in person. Do you like the way it functions? I do know that Phoenix no longer uses that system for any of their campers.

 

[scheefdog]

I believe the applicable patent is US4201413A "Lift apparatus for camper top" which was granted May 6, 1980 and is now expired.

Ref: https://patents.google.com/patent/US4201413A/en


BTW: The spring loaded piano hinges are a critical feature in this design and it works poorly or not at all without the springs,

That is the patent - thanks for providing the link!

Not infrequently patents are "fenced" with newer mods that improve the original design. It may be appropriate to check for those but it is not clear that matters if you want to build exact replacements.

BTW: My opinion. If you build something covered by a patent for yourself and, importantly, do not sell any copies there is little risk in copying something that is covered by a patent. It is my understanding that it is not legal to do so but it is unlikely a patent holder would pursue expensive legal claims against someone infringing for one time personal use. I am a patent holder so I understand a little bit about this.

Interesting on the patents being "fenced". It appears the FWC lift panel design has not changed other than going from plywood to plastic.

I am asking about this patent because I am exploring options for a roof lift mechanism for a custom camper I am building - that might turn into a business venture. The FWC design is very simple compared to most other options and that is appealing.

I appreciate the info and feedback!

 

[shellback]

I believe the applicable patent is US4201413A "Lift apparatus for camper top" which was granted May 6, 1980 and is now expired.

Ref: https://patents.google.com/patent/US4201413A/en


BTW: The spring loaded piano hinges are a critical feature in this design and it works poorly or not at all without the springs,

When I rebuilt my 79 Grandby, I had no old lift panels to start with. Thanks to help from many folks on WTW, I was able to fabricate them. I just used standard piano hinges, but then installed the lift cylinders on the outside of the camper. Works great!

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Correct me too. But it was my understanding that there was 1 year do not compete claus when Ben sold the company. for Ben, Marty and crew to start ATC had to satisfy that requirement.

That's what I heard from Marty when we bought our Bobcat.
Frank

 

[ckent323]

The history of FWC may be found here:

https://fourwh.com/popup-truck-camper-history/


Ben Burnett sold FWC to Tom and Celeste Hanagan in 2001. I do not know for sure when ATC was started but from the BBB link below it appears that it was incorporated in Oct 2005. Jeff Wyant is President) and Marty Austin is Vice-President.

https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/sacramento/profile/rv-dealers/all-terrain-campers-inc-1156-47018180


In an introductory post made in Dec 2006 to WTW Ben said Jeff and Marty asked him to join them in starting the business.

http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/107-introduction/


I looked at the ATC website and did not find a history page. My guess is that their first campers were built in late 2005 or perhaps in 2006.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

The history of FWC may be found here:

https://fourwh.com/popup-truck-camper-history/


Ben Burnett sold FWC to Tom and Celeste Hanagan in 2001. I do not know for sure when ATC was started but from the BBB link below it appears that it was incorporated in Oct 2005. Jeff Wyant is President) and Marty Austin is Vice-President.

https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/sacramento/profile/rv-dealers/all-terrain-campers-inc-1156-47018180


In an introductory post made in Dec 2006 to WTW Ben said Jeff and Marty asked him to join them in starting the business.

http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/107-introduction/

I looked at the ATC website and did not find a history page. My guess is that their first campers were built in late 2005 or perhaps in 2006.

Thanks for the history.
When we talked with Marty and crew about the order of our Bobcat that is story we heard.

 

[Sourdough Jack]

Is there an after market add on for increasing mechanical advantage to the front panel push rod? A dual moving pivot would greatly reduce the energy required to ram the rod (think praying mantis arm).