Expansible Or Collapsible Vehicle Body Patents (Class 296/165)
  • Patent number: 8079633
    Abstract: A cabin of a mobile home or other transport vehicle is provided with an internal living space adapted to minimize the space of furniture and beds during transport such that a small automobile may be received within the living space. In a set-up configuration and the automobile removed, beds can be deployed externally to the living space by a system of hinged panels attached to the side of the cabin. Furniture may also be rearranged within the interior of the cabin or mobile home on floor tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Paul Michael Freeman & Phillip Graeme Fisher
    Inventor: Raymond Bruce Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8074403
    Abstract: A full size building having three walls, an open side and a roof but no floor can be moved along parallel rails from an open free standing position to a closed position where the building abuts another structure to completely enclose an outdoor area. The building is of conventional construction but is erected over a rigid framework of iron beams. A series of roller assemblies containing rotatable axles is attached to the underside of rigid framework. The axles rest directly on the rails and rotate smoothly by means of bearings as the building moves along the rails. Stabilizers prevent wobble and keep the building on the rails when it is being moved. Locks prevent any movement when the building is in either the open or closed position. Additional locking means prevent lateral movement when the building is locked in the open position. The building can be moved using a winch and cable system or using a unique suspended sprocket wheel and track system. Concrete footings form the base for the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: John Mentnech
  • Patent number: 7959200
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an adjustable lift assembly for a flatbed vehicle such as a pickup truck. The adjustable lift assembly includes an extendible vertical member located at each corner of a vehicle flatbed. A frame is attached to an upper portion of each extendible vertical member. The frame rises and lowers with extension and retraction of the extendible vertical support members. Each extendible vertical member is placed through a respective support collar. The support collars support and maintain the extendible vertical members parallel to each other when the vehicle moves. The present adjustable lift assembly is lightweight and provides stable elevated support for a flatbed vehicle with little or no impediment to the storage area of the vehicle flatbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Trevor Voglmayr
  • Patent number: 7942464
    Abstract: The Tonneau Pop-up Camper is a fully functional pickup truck pop-up camper. When traveling, the camper fits under a tonneau style cover and does not affect the truck's safety, visibility, aerodynamics or economics. When camping, the tonneau camper is equal or superior to a “Low Profile, Bed over Cab, Pop-Up, Truck Camper.” Changeovers between camping and travel configurations, by one person, are completed in less than a couple of minutes. The sleeping quarters are located on top of the truck bed. The living quarters are at ground level in an attached tent, supported by one frame extension from the camper's base module. Attached steps provide easy access between the sleeping and living quarters. Cabinets, counters and storage bins located under the sleeping area are easily accessed from the living area. Utilities are integrated into one utility module under the front of the camper, and two controllers located at the back of the base module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth Henry Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7931323
    Abstract: An electromechanical travel bar lock assembly disables the flow of power to the power drive that moves a RV slide-out room between the traveling position and the deployed position. The assembly includes a bar for removably securing between the wall of the vehicle and the facer board of the slide-out room to prevent the room from moving. The travel bar is provided with an actuator that actuates, directly or indirectly, a switch means incorporated into the circuitry of the power drive so that power is not permitted to flow from its source to the drive, and the slide-out room cannot be moved when the travel bar is positioned between the vehicle wall and the facer board. The actuator, switch, and circuitry may embody any one of several different configurations and/or combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Dicor Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas L. Del Vecchio
  • Publication number: 20110057475
    Abstract: A cabin of a mobile home or other transport vehicle is provided with an internal living space adapted to minimize the space of furniture and beds during transport such that a small automobile may be received within the living space. In a set-up configuration and the automobile removed, beds can be deployed externally to the living space by a system of hinged panels attached to the side of the cabin. Furniture may also be rearranged within the interior of the cabin or mobile home on floor tracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Raymond Bruce Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20110057474
    Abstract: A unit for providing accommodation on a vehicle including a structure defining an internal accommodation space and a utility module coupled via a lowering mechanism to the structure of the unit, the lowering mechanism adapted to transition the module between an elevated, stored position within the internal accommodation space and a lowered, in-use position outside of the internal accommodation space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Raymond Bruce Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7866733
    Abstract: This is a one piece molded raised second tier floor with lockable horizontal doors made for a pickup truck cargo bed. In particular, it is a one piece molded insert that increases the storage area of a crowded pickup truck cargo bed camper. It also, gives the user 100% access to the storage area below while increasing the sleeping area above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Edward J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7841645
    Abstract: An extendible secondary living space for a vehicle. The extendible living space may move from a retracted position in which it is substantially integrated within or in close proximity to a primary living space of the vehicle, to an extended position in which it provides an open-air porch or balcony accessible from the primary living space. The extendible living space may be extended from any wall of the vehicle, such as a side wall or rear wall, and may be particularly well suited for use in motorized recreational vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Lee Joint Venture
    Inventors: David M. Diamond, Jay L. Howard
  • Patent number: 7802834
    Abstract: A multiple slide-out system for a recreational vehicle or the like includes a first slide-out section having a first floor, a first carriage abutting and affixed to the first floor, a first driven track affixed to the underside of the first carriage, and a first drive motor anchored to the floor of the vehicle to drive the first slide-out section relative to the vehicle. A second slide-out section which slides within the first slide-out section includes a second floor, a second carriage abutting and affixed to the second floor, a second driven track affixed to the underside of the second carriage, and a second drive motor anchored to top side of the first carriage to drive the second slide-out section relative to the first slide-out section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Monaco Coach Corporation
    Inventors: Tomas D. Cadena, Jose J. Mercado
  • Patent number: 7690713
    Abstract: 4-bar hinge technology is applied to forward hinged mounting of a conventional cab high cover on a pickup truck load bed, so that the cover moves clear of the vehicle cab when raised to provide improved loading access. The hinge system may be integrated with upper and/or lower rails intermediately attached to the cover and load bed rails used as mounting interfaces in fixed cover installations. Use of these interfaces alone for system attachment supports universal application to conventional matched cab high covers and load beds with minimal component variation between applications. Resulting component dimensions accommodate compact packaging, and therefore convenient, efficient shipping and storage of adaptation hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Trail-R Van Inc.
    Inventor: William Henry Russell Lake
  • Patent number: 7651144
    Abstract: A seal between a base structure and a slide out structure of a recreational vehicle includes a panel section mounted to the base structure, the panel section including a front edge, a rear edge, a first side and a second side. A sealing element extends from the panel section, between the front edge and the rear edge, in a direction from the first side toward the second side of the panel section, the sealing element extending to contact the slide out structure and wipe moisture therefrom upon relative movement of the slide out structure and base structure. A catch flange extends upwardly from the rear edge of the panel section. A first side basin detail extends from the first side of the panel section, and a second side basin detail extends from the second side of the panel section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Clark Rubber & Plastic Company
    Inventors: Gregory M. Clark, James T. Clark, II, Jeff A. Lippus
  • Patent number: 7549695
    Abstract: A device for manipulating a tarpaulin so as to selectively cover and uncover a top aperture of a container. The top aperture defines an aperture peripheral edge, the aperture peripheral edge including two substantially opposed substantially longitudinal segments. The tarpaulin is configurable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. In the extended configuration, the tarpaulin substantially covers the top aperture. In the retracted configuration, the tarpaulin is substantially retracted from the top aperture. The device includes an elongated guiding component defining a guiding component longitudinal axis. The guiding component is securable to the container so as to extend at least partially along at least one of the longitudinal segments. A tarpaulin mounting component is usable for attaching the tarpaulin thereto. A link, mechanically coupled to the guiding component, is longitudinally movable therealong between a link proximal position and a link distal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Réal Royer
  • Patent number: 7540116
    Abstract: A mobile structure, such as a recreational vehicle, that includes a wall having first and second opposed surfaces and an edge surface. The edge surface defines an opening through the wall. A slide-out room or other enclosure is moveably located in the opening. A trim member having an integral seal is attached at the opening and the seal is engageable with a flange on the enclosure. A second trim member has an integrally attached flexible member projecting outwardly therefrom. The flexible member engages the enclosure and wipes moisture and debris from the enclosure as it is moved into a retracted position with the mobile structure. The two trim members have an overlapping portion with the opening and can be simultaneously secured to the wall by driving a mechanical fastener through the overlapped portions of the trim members. A method of manufacturing such mobile structures is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Lifetime Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Martinson
  • Patent number: 7527318
    Abstract: A shelter attachment for a pickup truck includes a lid that is rotatably attached to one side of the pickup truck bed. As the lid is rotated in an opened direction, two wire ropes pull a shelter mast in an upward direction so that the mast is in its fully upright position when the lid is in its fully opened position adjacent to the exterior of the truck bed sidewall. An additional two wire ropes connecting the mast to the opposite truck bed sidewall provide support for the mast and the lid. When in its opened position, the interior surface of the lid forms a sleeping bed for a user. The mast and the wire ropes provide the structure for supporting the canvas or nylon sheeting material for the walls of the shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: David W. Geise
  • Patent number: 7493727
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable enclosure provides an additional storage or work area in a structure which has a limited amount of available space, such as a motor home or trailer. The enclosure is installed in an opening, such as for a window, and can be selectively moved to an extended position where the enclosure extends outside the structure, or to a retracted position where the enclosure is positioned inside the structure. Two spaced apart swing arms pivotally mount the enclosure to the structure, and allow the enclosure to be selectively moved to the extended or retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Frederick Broussard
  • Patent number: 7490885
    Abstract: A vehicle body basically has a first body panel section, a second body panel section, an expandable body panel section and an actuation device. The first and second body panel sections have first and second exterior surfaces. The expandable body panel section has a third exterior surface disposed between the first and second exterior surfaces of the first and second body panel sections to form a contiguous vehicle exterior. The actuation device is operatively coupled to at least one of the body panel sections to move the first body panel section with respect to the second body panel by stretch the expandable body panel section from a first surface area with the first body panel section being in a first location to a second larger surface area with the first body panel section being in a second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Heather S Konet
  • Patent number: 7404590
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a collapsible shelter to be used in conventional truck beds. The shelter is comprised of a horizontal base that straddles the truck bed and a frame that pivots about an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the truck bed. The frame is comprised of a rear A-shaped frame, a front support post and a ridge pole. The apparatus has bunks slidably, or hingedly, attached to the base that move from a first position on top of the base to a second position whereby they extend horizontally out and away from the side walls of the truck. Angled support members support the bunks in their horizontal position. A shell stretches over the frame and around the bunks. Quick erection of the shelter is facilitated by the pivoting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Fabien Loranger
  • Publication number: 20080164720
    Abstract: This invention discloses an extendable room-in-room slide-out room for recreational vehicles, which allows a substantial increase in the usable living space of a recreational vehicle, occupies a relatively small amount of the slide-out is contracted, and provides a means for maintaining horizontal surfaces both while extended and contracted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Johnnie R. Crean
  • Publication number: 20080164721
    Abstract: An expansible cap (01) comprised of a cap (10) and a base assembly (20) that rests on or off a means of transport (02). Base assembly (20) is comprised of an enclosure assembly (30), a wall assembly (40), a frame (50), and an elevating mechanism (60). When closed for storage and transport, cap (10) generally conforms to the contours of the means of transport (02) and encloses base assembly (20). Enclosure assembly (30) is folded. The inside of expansible cap (01) is available for cargo or as a camping shelter. Cap (10)) is attached to elevating mechanism (60). Cap (10) is elevated or lowered by means of elevating mechanism (60). When cap (10) is elevated, enclosure assembly (30) encloses the space between wall assembly (40) and cap (10). The inside of expansible cap (01) is available as a much larger shelter for camping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Daniel Semotuk
  • Patent number: 7387325
    Abstract: A slide assembly is provided to couple a slide-out component disposed in an opening of a vehicle body to the vehicle body. The slide assembly includes a complementary contoured guide member, roller(s), and a support member, all generally enclosed by a mountable housing. The support member and roller(s) are coupled to roll along the guide member. In a particular embodiment, rollers are mounted in pairs on the top and bottom sides of the guide member. Due to the complementary contours of the roller and guide member, the slide assembly has a self-aligning characteristic. In one embodiment, the guide member includes a single portion that is horizontal with respect to the vehicle body, and only allows movement of the slide-out component in a horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventors: William W. Herson, Robert A. Nolen
  • Patent number: 7360821
    Abstract: A compound motion travel lock secures a slide-out section of a vehicle in a retracted position. A lock arm moves in a compound pivoting and translating movement as a manual or power driven actuator provides a linear input to a cam pin and slot arrangement. The rotational input is converted to a linear force acting on the lock arm, which pivots out from a collapsed position by engagement of the cam pins in the cam slots. The pivoted out lock arm is then translated to an engaged position in which the lock arm clamps against an interior surface of the vehicle to retain the slide-out section retracted within the vehicle. When the lock arm is collapsed the slide-out section can be moved freely between retracted and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Kunz
  • Patent number: 7357440
    Abstract: A camper having passive solar climate controls. The camper has a solar structure carried by a base. The solar structure includes a cover, a window panel, a ridge vent, a plurality of awnings, and a plurality of side panels. The ridge vent and the awnings are carried by the cover and the window panel. The window panel and the cover are each pivotally attached to the base such that they are rotated toward the base into a collapsed position and/or away from the base into an extended position. A gable connector secures the cover and the window panel in the extended position. The side panels cooperate with the cover and the window panel to define an interior within the camper. The window panel includes a window and a solar curtain adapted to releasably cover the window. The ridge vent is received by a ventilation opening proximate the gable connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Calandruccio
  • Patent number: 7328927
    Abstract: A securing mechanism for use with a recreational vehicle (RV) slide out assembly. The securing mechanism structurally interconnects the slide out assembly to the RV when the slide out assembly is in a retracted position and when it is in an extended position. Specifically, loads in the RV induced from the road, from passengers, from equipment, and other various sources are distributed through the slide out assembly. Advantageously, flexure of the RV walls around the slide out opening is reduced. As a result, walls and their fixtures are less likely to be damaged due to flexure, seals between the RV walls and the slide out are more likely to stay intact, and the size of slide outs can be increased without compromising the structural integrity of the RV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie R. Crean
  • Patent number: 7322628
    Abstract: A clamp type travel lock secures a slide-out section of a vehicle in a retracted position. The travel lock is pivotally disposed in a pocket of the slide-out wall. An actuator of the travel lock is accessible from an interior side opening of the slide-out wall and a lock arm is extendible through an exterior side opening of the slide-out wall. Pivoting the travel lock from a stowed position extends the actuator and the lock arm through the respective interior and exterior side openings of the slide-out wall. The actuator can then be operated from an interior of the slide-out section to move the lock arm to clamp the lock arm against an interior surface of the exterior vehicle wall. When the travel lock is stowed within the slide-out wall the slide-out section can be moved between retracted and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Kunz
  • Publication number: 20070257511
    Abstract: A slide out room for use with vehicles and other structures that use such slide out rooms to expand the interior usable space when stationary and retract such slide out rooms during travel or storage. The slide out room includes a floor, roof, main side wall and a pair of end walls, forming a room within a room. The entire assembly is movable from an extended position to a retracted position as desired. Portions of the end walls of the present invention are removable or retractable when the slide out room is retracted into the vehicle or other structure, so that the space occupied by the end walls is open, both visibly and physically, to provide greater utility for the room when retracted in without affecting its use when extended out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventor: Catherine E. Dickenson
  • Patent number: 7287806
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle having a slide-out housing, wherein the slide-out housing may be positioned in either a retracted or deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the slide-out housing extends outwardly from a main housing of the recreational vehicle so as to enlarge the living space within the main housing. In the retracted configuration, the slide-out housing extends inwardly into the main housing so as to reduce the living space within the main housing. In various embodiments, the slide-out housing is lifted prior to retraction and lowered after deployment so that the floor of the slide-out housing aligns with the floor of the main housing. In other various embodiments, vertical movement of the slide-out housing may occur during retraction and deployment. Moreover, the recreational vehicle may utilize a vertical actuating assembly, as disclosed herein, that is adapted to engage with the slide-out housing to thereby lift and lower the slide-out housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie R. Crean
  • Patent number: 7240938
    Abstract: The present invention provides a slide-out mechanism that adjusts the elevation of a slide-out room relative to the main body of a vehicle. In one preferred embodiment, the slide-out mechanisms includes an acme screw elevator on a telescoping support arm below the slide-out room. As the slide-out room extends or retracts, the acme screw elevator increases or decreases the height of the slide-out room so as to allow full retraction within the vehicle body and complete level extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: RBW Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond W. Blodgett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7234758
    Abstract: A gear operated pivoting travel lock secures a slide-out section of a vehicle in a retracted position. The travel lock includes a gear box, containing two mating worm gears, that mounts to a wall of the slide-out section. The drive gear is mounted at the end of an operating member and the driven gear is mounted to an axle. Two pivot arms are mounted at the ends of the axle. Turning the operating member, preferably by a handle member, rotates the drive gear to mesh with the driven gear. As the driven gear rotates, the pivot arms swing out from a collapsed position to an engaged position. When the slide-out section is retracted within the vehicle, a pressure pad at the end of the pivot arms clamps against an interior surface of the vehicle wall. When the travel lock is collapsed the slide-out section can be moved between the retracted and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Gary D. Peter
  • Patent number: 7234747
    Abstract: A sliding mechanism for moving a slide-out compartment of a vehicle includes a guide member, a sliding member, and a gear. The gear is used to move the sliding member relative to the guide member. The sliding member and the guide member cooperate with each other to move the slide-out compartment between an extended position and a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7229123
    Abstract: A slide-out system for a recreational vehicle has a slide block that is form fit with a sliding connection to a track so as to vertically and laterally support a slide-out room relative to the stationary portion of the vehicle. The room is driven in and out by a rack and pinion drive and a synchronizing screw is provided at at least one end of the drive shaft so that two spaced apart slide-out units can be synchronized relative to one another and to ease disassembly of the shafts and motor drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Kunz
  • Patent number: 7226116
    Abstract: A mobile recreational vehicle includes a body enclosing a living area designed to serve as self-contained living quarters during recreational travel. The body is supported on at least one pair of wheels (and often two or more pairs). The vehicle includes a ceiling assembly, a floor assembly; and an elongated and adjustable ceiling support extending between the ceiling assembly and the floor assembly wherein the height of the support can be adjusted during installation. In some instances, the vehicle has a shortened full length slide-out to allow for additional sidewall ceiling support, and in some instances has a slide-out opening that has cambered upper edges to minimize sagging the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Jones
  • Patent number: 7210269
    Abstract: A slidable room assembly comprises a vehicle body having an opening formed in an exterior wall, and a reciprocable slideout unit or compartment disposed in the opening and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. Sliding movement of the slideout unit is controlled by means of a drive mechanism that includes two sets of cabling. The drive mechanism includes a frame installed about the opening in the vehicle body. The frame includes a header, a sill and two pre-assembled jambs. The pre-assembled jambs have a plurality of pulleys with a plurality of cables pre-installed inside the jambs around the pulleys. One end of the cables, attached to the slidable room, is pre-strung through a cable extension hole. The other end of the cables extends out an end of the jamb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Norco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard F. Garceau, James Young, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7201431
    Abstract: A camper having passive solar climate controls. The camper has a solar structure carried by a base. The solar structure includes a cover, a window panel, a ridge vent, a plurality of awnings, and a plurality of side panels. The ridge vent and the awnings are carried by the cover and the window panel. The window panel and the cover are each pivotally attached to the base such that they are rotated toward the base into a collapsed position and/or away from the base into an extended position. A gable connector secures the cover and the window panel in the extended position. The side panels cooperate with the cover and the window panel to define an interior within the camper. The window panel includes a window and a solar curtain adapted to releasably cover the window. The ridge vent is received by a ventilation opening proximate the gable connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Calandruccio
  • Patent number: 7188889
    Abstract: A retractable cover for a slide-out unit on a recreational vehicle, mobile home, travel trailer, or the like, includes a roll bar that is movable with the slide-out unit away from the side of the vehicle with the roll bar mounted in a housing having a closure plate which is easily pivoted to an open position or removed to facilitate maintenance or removal of debris that may accumulate in the housing during a retraction of the cover. The housing is mounted on the slide-out unit with brackets permitting the brackets to be located at any position along the length of the housing and also permitting the housing to assume a length that is much greater than the width of the slide-out unit providing a better cover for the slide-out unit during inclement weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Garefree/Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventors: Robert Wagner, Scott W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7178857
    Abstract: A camping system convertible between a transporting configuration and a camping configuration. The system includes a large storage compartment to allow storage of large items such as all terrain vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and other large items even when in the compact transporting configuration. The system includes side walls that pivot upward and outward to create side compartments for sleeping or other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Let's Go Aero, Inc.
    Inventor: Marty Williams
  • Patent number: 7175219
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a vehicle mounting bracket having an adjustable linkage mounting portion. The mounting bracket is fixed to the vehicle and the linkage system, while adjustment bolts on the mounting bracket allow the user to adjust the vertical height of linkage relative to the vehicle. Scalloped adjustment joints of the linkage allow a user to modify the joint angle while effectively increasing or decreasing the length of the linkage members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: RBW Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ray W. Blodgett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7163257
    Abstract: An awning mechanism for a recreational vehicle having a slider includes a box awning having a frame and a roller disposed therein with an awning rolled about the roller and extendable therefrom. The awning includes a leading edge and a bracket is provided for mounting the frame to a stationary wall of the recreational vehicle. A header attachable to the slider beneath the frame is provided with the bracket and the header having a generally coplanar relationship with the slide out in a fully retracted position. Linkage is provided which interconnects the header and the leading edge and includes structure enabling shortening of the linkage as the header passes beneath the leading edge on the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Girard Systems
    Inventor: Robert G. Heitel
  • Patent number: 7150483
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a main floor and a slide-out portion which includes a slide-out floor. A flush floor slide-out mechanism may be used to move the slide-out portion between a retracted position where the slide-out floor is positioned adjacent to the main floor and an extended position where the slide-out floor is at least substantially flush with the main floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Recreation Systems Inc.
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7108005
    Abstract: A canopy (100) suspended above an opening (202) in a vehicle (200) is provided. The vehicle (200) has a roof (215) and a pair of vertically hung doors (204 and 206) pivotal to an open position to create the opening in the vehicle. The canopy comprises a flexible cover (102) having a top panel (104) extending between the doors and the roof. The canopy aids in forming an enclosure bounded by the top panel, the doors, a ground surface, the opening in the vehicle, and a rear opening and a non-closable bottom opening in the enclosure permitting walk-in access to the enclosure. A support frame (106) is coupled to the cover to aid in suspending the cover above the ground surface and above the opening in the vehicle. The canopy further includes an attachment assembly (108) for coupling the cover to the vehicle. In an alternate embodiment, a canopy 400 for interfacing with a vehicle 500 having a liftgate 504 is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventors: William B. Christenson, Renee L. Christenson
  • Patent number: 7100967
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle comprises a slide-out room. A ceiling of the slide-out room comprises at least one window to allow external light into the slide-out room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Brian J. Shea
  • Patent number: 7093891
    Abstract: In an automotive hatch back vehicle, foldable bonnets are coupled between an underside of the hatch lid and the run-off channels on both the driver and passenger side of the vehicle, pleated to fold outwardly as the hatch lid is raised to divert water accumulations on the lid into the channels, and to fold away inwardly into the vehicle as the lid is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Leonard A. Gervasi
  • Patent number: 7093882
    Abstract: An attaching system for a lift-roof cover pivoting substantially about a fixed forward wall upper edge via application of rear hatch technology of the prior art for conventional cab high covers together with attachment means in the form of linkages. The attaching system for mounting to a load bed supports multiple functions providing convenience in distribution and installation processes; in particular facilitating use of processes employed for conventional caps with respect to shipping and storage. The system includes lift-roof to forward wall stop and side retainer means supporting improved functional integrity and security. Also included are draw latches supporting levels of operating convenience demanded for lift-roof applications. Simplified manufacturing adaptation of a conventional cap is supported by pre-assembly of key subassemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Trail-R-Van Inc.
    Inventor: William Henry Russell Lake
  • Patent number: 7083213
    Abstract: A securing mechanism for use with a recreational vehicle (RV) slide out assembly. The securing mechanism structurally interconnects the slide out assembly to the RV when the slide out assembly is in a retracted position and when it is in an extended position. Specifically, loads in the RV induced from the road, from passengers, from equipment, and other various sources are distributed through the slide out assembly. Advantageously, flexure of the RV walls around the slide out opening is reduced. As a result, walls and their fixtures are less likely to be damaged due to flexure, seals between the RV walls and the slide out are more likely to stay intact, and the size of slide outs can be increased without compromising the structural integrity of the RV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie R. Crean
  • Patent number: 7073844
    Abstract: A slidable room assembly comprises a vehicle body having an opening formed in an exterior wall, and a reciprocatable slideout unit or compartment disposed in the opening and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. Sliding movement of the slideout unit is controlled by a drive mechanism that includes a pair of cables. A plurality of sheaves, rotatably mounted on the vehicle body about the opening, defines a path for the cable or cables. The drive cables have a double Y-shape whereby each cable has four ends with an end being connected to each corner of the slideout unit. Sliding movement of the slideout unit may be either motor driven or manually powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Norco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard F. Garceau, James Young, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7073816
    Abstract: An adjustable width trailer including a center frame with a center deck, and attached tongue and an attached guide beam that is transverse to the direction of forward movement. Left and right wheel support assemblies are slidably mounted on the guide beam. Left and right tire and wheel assemblies are attached to the wheel support assemblies by suspension assemblies. A left wing frame and a right wing frame, with wing decks are pivotally attached to the center frame, when the wheel support assemblies are in inboard positions, the wing frames are folded. When the wheel support assemblies are slid on the guide beam to outboard positions, the left and right wheels are outboard from the sides of the center frame and the left and right wing frames sit on the adjacent wheel support assemblies and are held in horizontal positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Hiniker Company
    Inventors: Jeremy Larson, Roger J. Scheurer, Vincent J. Tomlonovic
  • Patent number: 7066528
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle having a slide-out housing, wherein the slide-out housing may be positioned in either a retracted or deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the slide-out housing extends outwardly from a main housing of the recreational vehicle so as to enlarge the living space within the main housing. In the retracted configuration, the slide-out housing extends inwardly into the main housing so as to reduce the living space within the main housing. In various embodiments, the slide-out housing is lifted prior to retraction and lowered after deployment so that the floor of the slide-out housing aligns with the floor of the main housing. In other various embodiments, vertical movement of the slide-out housing may occur during retraction and deployment. Moreover, the recreational vehicle may utilize a vertical actuating assembly, as disclosed herein, that is adapted to engage with the slide-out housing to thereby lift and lower the slide-out housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie R. Crean
  • Patent number: 7052065
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a slide-out compartment and a sliding mechanism which is used to move the slide-out compartment between an extended position and a retracted position. The sliding mechanism uses a guide member, a sliding member, and a gear to move the slide-out compartment between the extended position and the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Happijac Company
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7052064
    Abstract: A quick-release mechanism that allows a motor to be quickly and easily released from a motorized activation assembly to activate a sliding mechanism thereby extending or retracting a slide-out compartment of a recreational vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Happijac Company
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7040689
    Abstract: A slidable room assembly comprises a vehicle body having an opening formed in an exterior wall, and a reciprocable slideout unit or compartment disposed in the opening and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. Sliding movement of the slideout unit is controlled by a drive mechanism that includes two sets of cabling. The drive mechanism includes a frame installed about the opening in the vehicle body. The frame includes a header, a sill and two pre-assembled jambs. The pre-assembled jambs have a plurality of pulleys with a plurality of cables pre-installed inside the jambs around the pulleys. One end of the cables, attached to the slidable room, is pre-strung through a cable extension hole. The other end of the cables extends out an end of the jamb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Norco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Few, Bernard F. Garceau, Mark D. Howie, James D. Smith, Jr.