A system for supporting individuals or objects is disclosed that can be
used, e.g., as a bunk for sleeping upon within a vehicle, such as, e.g.,
a truck or commercial vehicle. The system preferably includes a support
platform, a pivot mechanism, and at least one flowable-medium spring. The
support platform is provided with an upper surface to support at least
one individual or object within a vehicle. The pivot mechanism is
connected to the support platform so as to pivot the support platform
around a pivot axis to move between a stored position and a deployed
position in which the support platform supports the at least one
individual or object. The at least one flowable-medium spring is provided
with a first end fixed relative to the vehicle and a second end fixed
relative to the support platform at a location displaced from the pivot
axis. Each of the at least one flowable-medium springs is arranged so as
to impart an extension force that biases the support platform toward the
deployed position and so as to impart an extension force that biases the
support platform toward the stored position during at least portions of
the movement of the support platform between the stored position and the
deployed position.