Patents by Inventor Johnnie Robert Crean

Johnnie Robert Crean 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: 7338109
    Abstract: A vehicle frame with a low profile is designed to be suitable for attaching directly to an incomplete, preassembled motorized chassis to construct a motorhome. The vehicle frame includes planar bulkheads and a storage area floor that are attached to the frame and to the chassis so as to create a three-dimensional space frame that is highly resistant to bending and twisting forces as well as storage areas that extend the width of the motorhome. The motorhome with the frame mounts a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as heavy holding tanks within or below the plane of the vehicle frame so as to lower the center of mass of the motorhome to thereby improve vehicle handling and safety. Placement of the HVAC system within and/or below the vehicle frame obviates the need to position HVAC components on the roof of the motorhome thereby further lowering the center of mass and eliminating a source of liquid water condensation above the living space of the motorhome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Patent number: 7021699
    Abstract: A vehicle frame with a low profile is designed to be suitable for attaching directly to an incomplete, preassembled motorized chassis to construct a motorhome. The vehicle frame includes planar bulkheads and a storage area floor that are attached to the frame and to the chassis so as to create a three-dimensional space frame that is highly resistant to bending and twisting forces as well as storage areas that extend the width of the motorhome. The motorhome with the frame mounts a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as heavy holding tanks within or below the plane of the vehicle frame so as to lower the center of mass of the motorhome to thereby improve vehicle handling and safety. Placement of the HVAC system within and/or below the vehicle frame obviates the need to position HVAC components on the roof of the motorhome thereby further lowering the center of mass and eliminating a source of liquid water condensation above the living space of the motorhome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Publication number: 20050023860
    Abstract: A vehicle frame with a low profile is designed to be suitable for attaching directly to an incomplete, preassembled motorized chassis to construct a motorhome. The vehicle frame includes planar bulkheads and a storage area floor that are attached to the frame and to the chassis so as to create a three-dimensional space frame that is highly resistant to bending and twisting forces as well as storage areas that extend the width of the motorhome. The motorhome with the frame mounts a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as heavy holding tanks within or below the plane of the vehicle frame so as to lower the center of mass of the motorhome to thereby improve vehicle handling and safety. Placement of the HVAC system within and/or below the vehicle frame obviates the need to position HVAC components on the roof of the motorhome thereby further lowering the center of mass and eliminating a source of liquid water condensation above the living space of the motorhome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: February 3, 2005
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Patent number: 6688678
    Abstract: A vehicle frame with a low profile is designed to be suitable for attaching directly to an incomplete, preassembled motorized chassis to construct a motorhome. The vehicle frame includes planar bulkheads and a storage area floor that are attached to the frame and to the chassis so as to create a three-dimensional space frame that is highly resistant to bending and twisting forces as well as storage areas that extend the width of the motorhome. The motorhome with the frame mounts a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as heavy holding tanks within or below the plane of the vehicle frame so as to lower the center of mass of the motorhome to thereby improve vehicle handling and safety. Placement of the HVAC system within and/or below the vehicle frame obviates the need to position HVAC components on the roof of the motorhome thereby further lowering the center of mass and eliminating a source of liquid water condensation above the living space of the motorhome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Publication number: 20030111866
    Abstract: A vehicle frame with a low profile is designed to be suitable for attaching directly to an incomplete, preassembled motorized chassis to construct a motorhome. The vehicle frame includes planar bulkheads and a storage area floor that are attached to the frame and to the chassis so as to create a three-dimensional space frame that is highly resistant to bending and twisting forces as well as storage areas that extend the width of the motorhome. The motorhome with the frame mounts a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as heavy holding tanks within or below the plane of the vehicle frame so as to lower the center of mass of the motorhome to thereby improve vehicle handling and safety. Placement of the HVAC system within and/or below the vehicle frame obviates the need to position HVAC components on the roof of the motorhome thereby further lowering the center of mass and eliminating a source of liquid water condensation above the living space of the motorhome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Patent number: 6540285
    Abstract: A vehicle frame with a low profile is designed to be suitable for attaching directly to an incomplete, preassembled motorized chassis to construct a motorhome. The vehicle frame includes planar bulkheads and a storage area floor that are attached to the frame and to the chassis so as to create a three-dimensional space frame that is highly resistant to bending and twisting forces as well as storage areas that extend the width of the motorhome. The motorhome with the frame mounts a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as heavy holding tanks within or below the plane of the vehicle frame so as to lower the center of mass of the motorhome to thereby improve vehicle handling and safety. Placement of the HVAC system within and/or below the vehicle frame obviates the need to position HVAC components on the roof of the motorhome thereby further lowering the center of mass and eliminating a source of liquid water condensation above the living space of the motorhome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Patent number: 6505873
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle having an extendable slide-out controlled by an actuator assembly is provided with a damage avoidance system. The damage avoidance system determines if the slide-out is in an adverse state and, if the adverse state is detected, inhibits the actuator assembly from moving the slide-out. The slide-out is in the adverse state if (a) a collision between the slide-out and a nearby object is imminent, (b) a collision has recently occurred, or (c) a resistive force is acting on the slide-out which substantially inhibits the actuator assembly from moving the slide-out. The damage avoidance system comprises a sensor module for monitoring the state of the slide-out and for providing an override signal to the actuator assembly, wherein the override signal is indicative of the slide-out being in the adverse state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Patent number: 6447048
    Abstract: A recreational travel trailer comprising a main housing which encloses a living space having multiple floor levels, and a two level extendable housing having a deployed configuration and an extended configuration. The extendable housing is movably positioned within an opening in the main housing so that a first floor of the extendable housing is positioned adjacent to a first floor of the main housing and so that a second floor of the extendable housing is positioned adjacent to a second floor of the main housing. In the deployed configuration, the extendable housing extends through the opening of the main housing so as to increase the enclosed space within the trailer. In the retracted configuration, the extendable housing is substantially positioned within the main housing so as to provide the main housing with a shape and size that is suitable for being towed on a public road. The trailer is further comprised of a two level actuator assembly which moves the two level extendable housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Patent number: 6439648
    Abstract: A fifth wheel travel trailer having an improved chassis, the chassis comprising a rear section, a mid-section, and a front section disposed in vertically offset horizontal planes. The trailer further comprises a carriage member having a plurality of rotatable wheels mounted underneath the rear section of the chassis and a housing member having an interior living space formed therein mounted above the chassis. The rear section of the chassis comprises a pair of main longitudinal members each having a pair of stacked I-beams such that upper surfaces of the main longitudinal members define a first horizontal mounting plane suitably elevated above the wheels of the carriage assembly so as to enable a rear section of a floor assembly to mount directly to the rear section of the chassis in the first mounting plane to thereby increase the rigidity of the rear section of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Publication number: 20020043812
    Abstract: A vehicle frame with a low profile suitable for attaching directly to an incomplete, preassembled motorized chassis to construct a motorhome. The vehicle frame includes planar bulkheads and a storage area floor that are attached to the frame and to the chassis so as to create a three-dimensional space frame that is highly resistant to bending and twisting forces as well as storage areas that extend the width of the motorhome. The motorhome with the frame mounts a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as heavy holding tanks within or below the plane of the vehicle frame so as to lower the center of mass of the motorhome to thereby improve vehicle handling and safety. Placement of the HVAC system within and/or below the vehicle frame obviates the need to position HVAC components on the roof of the motorhome thereby further lowering the center of mass and eliminating a source of liquid water condensation above the living space of the motorhome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Publication number: 20020021024
    Abstract: A fifth wheel travel trailer having an improved chassis, the chassis comprising a rear section, a mid-section, and a front section disposed in vertically offset horizontal planes. The trailer further comprises a carriage member having a plurality of rotatable wheels mounted underneath the rear section of the chassis and a housing member having an interior living space formed therein mounted above the chassis. The rear section of the chassis comprises a pair of main longitudinal members each having a pair of stacked I-beams such that upper surfaces of the main longitudinal members define a first horizontal mounting plane suitably elevated above the wheels of the carriage assembly so as to enable a rear section of a floor assembly to mount directly to the rear section of the chassis in the first mounting plane to thereby increase the rigidity of the rear section of the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Patent number: 6293612
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle having an expandable room wherein the room can be positioned in a retracted or deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the room expands inwardly into the main housing of the vehicle so as to enlarge the area of the room without displacing the fixtures and plumbing that are typically positioned adjacent an outer wall of the room. The room can be extended in conjunction with an exterior slide-out assembly wherein the deployed slide-out assembly creates a larger inner living space so as to accommodate the expanded room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Patent number: 6260909
    Abstract: Disclosed is an awning assembly for a recreational vehicle. The awning assembly includes an awning that is configured to be extended from a sidewall of the recreational vehicle to provide shade. A rug is removably mounted to one edge of the awning. In use, the rug is removed from the awning and positioned on the ground below the awning to serve as a ground covering. When not being used, the rug is attached to the awning and stored with the awning in an awning housing to save space. In another embodiment, the awning assembly comprises a rug housing that is configured to be moved between a storage configuration and an extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventors: Johnnie Robert Crean, Stephen B. Wishek
  • Publication number: 20010004159
    Abstract: A recreational travel trailer comprising a main housing which encloses a living space having multiple floor levels, and a two level extendable housing having a deployed configuration and an extended configuration. The extendable housing is movably positioned within an opening in the main housing so that a first floor of the extendable housing is positioned adjacent to a first floor of the main housing and so that a second floor of the extendable housing is positioned adjacent to a second floor of the main housing. In the deployed configuration, the extendable housing extends through the opening of the main housing so as to increase the enclosed space within the trailer. In the retracted configuration, the extendable housing is substantially positioned within the main housing so as to provide the main housing with a shape and size that is suitable for being towed on a public road. The trailer is further comprised of a two level actuator assembly which moves the two level extendable housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Patent number: 6231115
    Abstract: A fifth wheel travel trailer having an improved chassis, the chassis comprising a rear section, a mid-section, and a front section disposed in vertically offset horizontal planes. The trailer further comprises a carriage member having a plurality of rotatable wheels mounted underneath the rear section of the chassis and a housing member having an interior living space formed therein mounted above the chassis. The rear section of the chassis comprises a pair of main longitudinal members each having a pair of stacked I-beams such that upper surfaces of the main longitudinal members define a first horizontal mounting plane suitably elevated above the wheels of the carriage assembly so as to enable a rear section of a floor assembly to mount directly to the rear section of the chassis in the first mounting plane to thereby increase the rigidity of the rear section of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Patent number: 6170903
    Abstract: A recreational travel trailer comprising a main housing which encloses a living space having multiple floor levels, and a two level extendable housing having a deployed configuration and an extended configuration. The extendable housing is movably positioned within an opening in the main housing so that a first floor of the extendable housing is positioned adjacent to a first floor of the main housing and so that a second floor of the extendable housing is positioned adjacent to a second floor of the main housing. In the deployed configuration, the extendable housing extends through the opening of the main housing so as to increase the enclosed space within the trailer. In the retracted configuration, the extendable housing is substantially positioned within the main housing so as to provide the main housing with a shape and size that is suitable for being towed on a public road. The trailer is further comprised of a two level actuator assembly which moves the two level extendable housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Patent number: 6131990
    Abstract: Disclosed is an awning assembly for a recreational vehicle. The awning assembly includes an awning that is configured to be extended from a sidewall of the recreational vehicle to provide shade. A rug is removably mounted to one edge of the awning. In use, the rug is removed from the awning and positioned on the ground below the awning to serve as a ground covering. When not being used, the rug is attached to the awning and stored with the awning in an awning housing to save space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Patent number: 5746473
    Abstract: An improved travel trailer chassis that has a main section, which is connected to the axles of the wheels, a first elevated section that is connected to a forward end of the main section and is elevated above the main section and a second elevated section that is connected to a forward end of the first elevated section and is elevated above the first elevated section. The first elevated section is configured to receive a floor and fixtures to support a bathroom. A trunk space for storage is defined by a floor that extends forward from the main section of the chassis underneath the first elevated section of the chassis. One or more sewage tanks are mounted to the first elevated section of the chassis immediately beneath and substantially adjacent the floor of the bathroom supporting the fixtures. A drain assembly extends through the trunk space to an exhaust positioned outside of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean