Patents by Inventor Homer Ratliff

Homer Ratliff has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5143417
    Abstract: A shelf for a platform of a fold-down camper is provided, having an end frame with a first and second leg pivotally coupled to opposite sides of the platform and adapted to pivot from a first position substantially parallel to the platform to a second position substantially perpendicular to the platform for supporting an awning. Disposed between the first and second legs, and pivotally coupled thereto, is a shelf. The shelf is oriented so as to be substantially parallel to the platform and that relationship is maintained throughout the movement of the awning support by at least one leg interconnecting the shelf to the platform. All of the supports for the shelf are pivotally coupled and parallel to each other so that the shelf remains parallel to the platform. The shelf is available to store personal belongings or ornamental objects of the occupants without interfering with the occupants while reclined on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Starcraft RV, Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Philley, Homer Ratliff, Ira H. Kauffman
  • Patent number: 5135278
    Abstract: A rigid wall construction is provided for conventional fold-down campers wherein a camper shell is comprised of a frame having a plurality of walls of substantially equal height, at least two of which form opposing lower sidewalls. Attached to an upper edge of each lower sidewall is a hinged footwall having an upper hinged plate and a pendulate support member. The hinged upper plate of the footwall is coupled to a sidewall formed from a lightweight yet rigid material. The sidewall rotates about the hinge coupling with the footwall from a recumbent position within the closed shell to a vertical position above the footwall once extended. As the sidewall is extended, the pendulate support member moves down to engage the lower sidewall and support the raised sidewall. A camper top disposed above the camper shell supports the sidewall in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Starcraft RV, Inc.
    Inventors: Ira H. Kauffman, Homer Ratliff
  • Patent number: 5002325
    Abstract: An enclosed fluid storage tank for a fold-down trailer or similar vehicle which is mounted on the vehicle frame and extends into the vehicle chassis. Preferably, the fluid storage tank is mounted over the vehicle axle member to minimize the effect of varying fluid level and weight on the towing characteristics of the vehicle. In certain preferred embodiments, the fluid storage tank is mounted entirely below the top surface of the vehicle chassis and below the vehicle floor. The fluid storage tank can be secured to the vehicle chassis along two longitudinally extending ledges between a floor covering and two removable secodary longtiudinal support members. A vertically offset portion in the bottom surface of the fluid storage tank provides clearance for the vehicle axle member and a clearance channel provides clearance for lifting mechanism cables which extend through the vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Starcraft Corporation
    Inventors: David Fought, Homer Ratliff