Abstract: An operating mechanism for laterally moving a slide-out section of a vehicle between a retracted position and an extended position includes two support members and a rack and pinion assembly. The two support members can have alignable mounting locations that allow for height adjustable mounting of the slide-out section. The rack and pinion assembly is operable to move the slide-out section from the retracted position to the extended position, preferably by the engagement of a pair of pinions with a pair of racks mounted to elongated rail members mounted to the bottom of the slide-out section. Rollers or other anti-friction members can be added to support the rails and ease the movement of the slide-out section.

Abstract: A system is described which may be used to extend and retract a slide-out compartment of a vehicle.

Abstract: A land vehicle includes a first floor, a second floor, a first support member, a second support member, and a gear. The first support may be coupled to the land vehicle and sloped relative to the first floor. The second support member may be supported by the first support member and coupled to the second floor. The second support member may include an engaging portion. The gear may cooperate with the engaging portion to move the second support member relative to the first support member and thus move the second floor between a first position where the second floor is positioned adjacent to the first floor and a second position where the second floor is substantially level with the first floor.

Abstract: An extendable bay for use with a human habitat, such as a slide-out for a recreational vehicle, includes a compartment sized to be received in an opening in the habitat's side wall. The compartment has a bottom, a top, a front panel and a pair of side panels. A cantilever portion extends from the top for a distance beyond the first and second side panels. A lower edge bearing is interposed between the lower edge of the opening and the bottom of the compartment. A cantilever bearing element is interposed between the cantilever portion and the ceiling of the habitat to support the cantilever portion against the ceiling for sliding movement. An automated drive may be provided to extend and retract the bay. Side bearing elements may be provided. Seal strips may also be used to seal the bay relative to the environment.

Abstract: A resilient seal is mountable around the edge of an opening in a sidewall of a mobile living quarters through which a slide-out room travels. The seal includes two parts that slide together—a mounting portion and a-bulb seal portion—with the bulb seal portion being compressed when the slide-out room is closed. A wiper seal portion extending from the mounting portion is for contacting the adjacent wall of the slide-out room.

Abstract: An improved camper shell that is collapsible and portable. The shell consists of a cover that is positioned over a shell frame. The shell frame is formed by a plurality of components, preferably formed of steel, that are fitted together for use and that may be stored within the cover when not in use. The main frame components include bottom supports, vertical supports coupled thereto, and cross-members. Preferably, the bottom supports and cross-members are adjustable in length, to fit a plurality of truck bed sizes. The frame preferably angles downward from rear to front, for drainage and other purposes.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for extending a slide-out section of a vehicle includes a pair of rail supports secured to a vehicle frame and a pair of rail members connected to the slide-out section with one rail member slidably engaging each rail support. Each rail member is driven by engagement of a rotary member with a linear intermeshing member, such as dedicated rack and pinion arrangements. A shaft connects the rotary engagers so that movement of the rail members is synchronized using a single drive unit. A pair of rollers are mounted to each rail support, one roller on each side of the racks, to support the rack relative to the associated rotary engager.

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.

Abstract: A stationary building structure having a sidewall opening with a shuttle section movable through the opening to an extended position or movable over the opening for closing thereof. The shuttle section includes a frame which defines a shuttle floor surface thereabove. A shuttle tail extends from the shuttle frame into the stationary building structure for supporting the shuttle section at all times whether in the extended position, the retracted position or moving therebetween. An outer shuttle wall extends upwardly from the frame for closing the sidewall opening of the stationary building when the shuttle is retracted. A sealing means is defined on the outer wall for engaging the building around the sidewall opening for selectively sealing thereof when in the retracted position. A drive mechanism is mounted to the stationary building structure and is operatively secured to the shuttle section for urging movement thereof between the respective positions.

Abstract: A temporary vehicle interior expansion system expands the usable interior size of a vehicle by utilizing the vehicle doors to form and support the system. The system includes an enclosure panel for draping over and between the doors of the vehicle to enclose an extended interior space in communication with an interior of the vehicle. The enclosure panel comprises a top portion, a pair of side portions, an end portion, and a bottom portion. A support assembly is also provided for supporting the top portion of the enclosure panel on the vehicle and holding the door in the open condition below the top portion of the enclosure panel, and may include a transverse support member for positioning transversely between the doors of the vehicle for holding the doors in the open condition. Optionally, a platform assembly may be removably mountable on the vehicle adjacent to the vehicle opening.

Abstract: A low-profile sideout drive mechanism includes a movable support rail for the sideout formed of an outer channel and a nested inner channel having a vertical height less than the outer channel. The inner and outer channels define a tubular rail or ram wherein the inner channel is formed with slots therein to define a gear rack wherein the vertical space requirements of the tubular rail and a cooperating drive gear are minimized.

Abstract: A vehicle providing a variable interior volume comprises a primary outer structure and an expansion module (17) pivotably connected to the primary structure. A hinged coupling (26) facilitates pivoting movement of the expansion module between a retracted configuration, in which the expansion module is predominantly contained within the primary structure, and a deployed configuration, in which the expansion module is predominantly outside the primary structure. The total interior volume is thus increased as the module is deployed.

Abstract: A convertible cargo bed cover can function as both a tonneau cover and a cargo bed cap. The cover is raised by motorized elements to be substantially aligned with a roof of a passenger cabin of the vehicle. Side and rear window panels stored inside the cover can be installed to transform the cover to a cap to enlarge available enclosed cargo space. Rear pillars are installed at the rear corners of the tonneau cover in its raised position to complete the installation.

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 unmodified use of processes employed for conventional caps with respect to shipping and storage. The system includes unique draw latches incorporating alternate methods for adding reliable function 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.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for extending a slide-out section of a vehicle includes a pair of rail supports secured to a vehicle frame and a pair of rail members connected to the slide-out section with one rail member slidably engaging each rail support. Each rail member is driven by engagement of a rotary member with a linear intermeshing member, such as dedicated rack and pinion arrangements. A shaft connects the rotary engagers so that movement of the rail members is synchronized using a single drive unit. A pair of rollers are mounted to each rail support, one roller on each side of the racks, to support the rack relative to the associated rotary engager.

Abstract: A leveling ramp assembly for a vehicle slide-out room includes a ramp member and a face member, the ends of which are mounted to the vehicle floor by a pair of end members. The ramp provides a declined surface extending from the vehicle floor to a base rail from which a channel flange depends defining an outwardly opening horizontal channel. The face member mounts to the front of the ramp member by inserting its support rail into the channel. The channel flange and support rail have corresponding lengthwise grip regions that mate and improve the connection. The assembly is modular in that any number of shorten ramp or face members can be coupled end to end to span the width of the slide-out room and the face member(s) can be interchanged with other face members having various profiles.

Abstract: A pickup truck modification includes opposing, hingedly attached sidewalls for effectively extending the width of a truck bed. The sidewalls may be selectively positioned vertically or horizontally, and, when positioned horizontally, allow for positioning relatively wide loads. The truck bed is effectively widened as the sidewalls are laterally positioned in weight bearing relation by abutment members which depend from the sidewalls. Loads wider than the truck bed, but not substantially exceeding the additional width created by the laterally extended sidewalls, may be placed on the truck bed with the excess portion of the load supported by the sidewalls. When used in combination with an extendable ramp assembly, loading and unloading of bulky loads is greatly facilitated.

Abstract: A fold-out camper which is mounted in the bed of a truck provides a convenient shelter. The camper includes an upper and lower frame which, when retracted, are contained within the truck bed without obstructing the cargo area of the bed. To extend the camper, legs are extended from the lower frame to lift the upper frame and a cover which functions as the roof of the camper. Left and right side beds are rotated from their retracted position next to the wheel wells to an extended position over the wheel wells and over the sides of the truck bed. Tent walls which are stored with the left and right side beds and under the cover and are unrolled to enclose the camper.

Abstract: A multi-story recreational vehicle having a front section containing a living area (150), a rear section containing a first bedroom (117) and a second bedroom (151) positioned above the first bedroom, and a middle section containing a bathroom (118) and a third bedroom (152) positioned above the bathroom. The second bedroom's floor (168) staggers with the first bedroom's ceiling (172) whereas the third bedroom's floor (179) staggers with the bathroom's ceiling (183). The first bedroom has a retractable room extension in the form of a slide (128) positioned across the room from the second bedroom's floor.

Abstract: A system for moving a slide-out compartment includes a modular slider mechanism and a means for connecting the sliding assembly to other sliding assemblies. The sliding assembly includes a guide member having an interior channel defined by the sides and base of the guide member and two securing flanges separated by a gap. A slider rail is disposed within the interior channel and has a middle portion adapted to cooperate with a gear mechanism disposed within the interior channel. The gear mechanism drivingly engages with the slider rail, while being adapted to cooperate with the means for connecting and/or a means for driving the gear mechanism to move extend or retract the slide-out compartment.

Abstract: An expandable camper shell for a pickup truck which includes a cover that is to be movable from a lower position to a raised position with the cover assuming a tilted configuration relative to the bed of the pickup truck. When in the maximum raised position additional head room is provided for any individuals located within the internal compartment located between the cover and the bed. When the cover is in the maximum raised position, there is provided a gap area with this gap area to be closable by a removable, double-thickness, fabric, insert assembly. A shock strut assembly is mounted between the cover and the bed that will maintain the cover in the maximum raised position after it is manually raised.

Abstract: A combination truck-box cover and collapsible tent-like shelter generally comprising a tonneau-type box cover adapted to contain generally all components of a tent shelter while allowing generally full access to the truck box, and especially that the shelter is adapted to extend to the end of an opened tail-gate and further so as to also be fitted to a short-box pickup truck. The bed portions thereby provide ample bed length even on a truck box of less than adequate length.

Abstract: A low profile, expandable, mobile rigid structure with unique a unique assembly and support system, that can easily be transported by an average sized vehicle. The structure features a central structure with a central roof section, a pair of endwall assemblies, and a central floor mounted to a base. The endwalls are two pieced having a bottom endwall panel and a top endwall panel. From the side of the central structure one or more side sections are retractable and expandable to increase the size of the floor space inside. The two pieced endwalls allow for compaction of the structure for travel by translating the lower portion of the endwall from supporting the upper portion. A two pieced door allows entry into the structure when it is expanded.

Abstract: A slideout-bed coupling system for a recreational vehicle that allows the bed to be positioned at desirable locations when the slideout is in retracted and extended configurations. By selectively coupling the slideout to the bed during the movement operation of the slideout, the bed's position relative to its surrounding can be controlled. In one embodiment, the bed's axis is oriented to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the recreational vehicle, and the bed partially moves when the slideout extends. As such, when the slideout is in the retracted configuration, the bed can be positioned to provide selected access to the one or more side of the bed. When the slideout is in the extended configuration, the coupling system allows the bed to be positioned to provide enhanced accessible clearance to both sides of the bed.

Abstract: An awning device, an associated kit and an associated method of using the kit to assemble the device for use as an auxiliary rain shield over a sleeping unit slidably attached to a recreational camping vehicle are disclosed. The device includes the interconnected components of two pair of securing brackets, a pair of corner posts, a generally rectangular sheet, a primary adhesive strip, and a complementary adhesive strip. The interconnected components of the device make up the auxiliary rain shield over the sleeping unit which provides the sleeping unit additional protection from water damage. The kit includes the unassembled components of the device. The method of using the kit includes the steps of adjoining, affixing, aligning, connecting, extending, hooking, mounting, obtaining, and screwing.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for extending a slide-out section of a vehicle includes a pair of rail supports secured to a vehicle frame and a pair of rail members connected to the slide-out section with one rail member slidably engaging each rail support. Each rail member is driven by its own rack and pinion arrangement. A shaft connects the pinions so that movement of the rail members is synchronized using a single drive unit. A pair of rollers are mounted to each rail support, one roller on each side of the racks, to support the rack relative to the associated pinion.

Abstract: A Comprehensive Modular RV Hybrid Electric Drive And Modular Construction System for recreational vehicles, including motorhomes, trailers, amphibious vehicles, and houseboats, and with full-length vehicle widening slide-outs.

Abstract: A folding camper (15) is provided for a pickup truck (20). A pair of side wings (22) are pivotally attached to a base assembly (10) that rests on the floor of the pickup truck bed. A roof (28) is attached to a roof lifting mechanism (30). Enclosures (32), (38), and (42) enclose the area between base assembly (10) and roof (28) when expanded. Doors (34) and (36) provide access to the interior. Slanted jacks (47) and (48) lift the camper off the pickup truck bed. Straps (62) and braces (64) and (66) stabilize the camper (15). Roof racks (46) are attached to roof (28) for long objects. When closed, side wings (22) are folded upward, and enclosures (32), (38), and (42) are folded inward. Roof (28) is lowered to rest on base assembly (10) and to overlap side wings (22). Lower door (36) is operable and the interior of camper (15) is available for transport or storage use.

Abstract: A shelter/camper/tent assembly for use in a truck bed. The assembly includes a shell and a floor, each being independently and pivotally coupled to the front of the truck bed. A support structure spans between the sidewalls of the truck and operates to suspend the floor in the truck bed. An opening structure is spaced along and secured to the side of the shell and support structure to support the shell when in the open position. A floor extension is pivotally coupled to the rear edge of the floor allowing for an increase in floor surface area. An attachment mechanism for removably securing the floor to the shell allowing for the two members to pivot about the front of the truck bed in unison. A flexible tent section is secured between the shell and floor through the use of fastening devices.

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 which includes either one or two endless cables. A plurality of sheaves, rotatably mounted on the slideout unit, define a path for the endless cable or cables. This path includes a pair of parallel longitudinally extending courses disposed on opposite sides of the slideout unit. Anchors, attached to respective longitudinally extending courses of the cable(s) and to adjacent portions of the vehicle body, effect relative reciprocation between the slideout unit and the vehicle body. Sliding movement of the slideout unit may be either motor driven or manually powered.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle having an expandable room, wherein the expandable room may be positioned in either a retracted or deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the room expands outwardly from the main housing of the vehicle so as to enlarge the overall living space area of the main housing. In the retracted configuration, the room slides inwardly into the main housing of the vehicle so as to reduce the width of the vehicle. The expandable room is equipped with at least one additional door on an outer wall in a manner so as to allow access to other rooms when expandable room is in the retracted configuration. The room may be extended in conjunction with an exterior slide-out assembly, wherein the deployed slide-out assembly produces a larger inner living space so as to accommodate the expanded room.

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 a pair of cables. A plurality of sheaves, rotatably mounted on the vehicle body about the opening, define 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 24 may be either motor driven or manually powered.

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.

Abstract: There is a camper for a utility vehicle. The camper includes a base frame for fitting into the cargo tray of the utility. There is a pair of bed frames disposed above the base and slidable laterally between inner closed positions substantially within the width of the cargo tray and open positions of use extending outward of the cargo tray sides. There is a roof panel movable between a lower closed position and a raised position of use and a flexible sheet material extending between outer edges of the bed frames and the roof panel. The camper is collapsible for travelling by moving the bed frames and roof panel from the positions of use to the closed positions so that a compact low profile shape is provided which is set substantially within the transverse dimensions of the cargo tray.

Abstract: A fold-out camper which is mounted in the bed of a truck provides a convenient shelter. The camper includes an upper and lower frame which, when retracted, are contained within the truck bed without obstructing the cargo area of the bed. To extend the camper, legs are extended from the lower frame to lift the upper frame and a cover which functions as the roof of the camper. Left and right side beds are rotated from their retracted position next to the wheel wells to an extended position over the wheel wells and over the sides of the truck bed. Tent walls which are stored with the left and right side beds and under the cover and are unrolled to enclose the camper.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for use in a vehicle having a bedroom slide out, the bedroom slide out having a platform which is movable laterally relative to a vehicle having a stationary floor. The operating mechanism laterally moves the movable room section relative to the stationary room section between a retracted position and an extended position, and has a height adjustable frame. The frame includes overlapping side members which are slidably moveable relative to each other and fastenable at two or more discrete heights.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a slide-out room of a recreational vehicle includes a drive train with a drive gear and an output gear. An electric motor is connected to the drive gear. A drive shaft is slidably received through a center hole in the output gear so as to be longitudinally movable relative to the output gear. A clutch operates to engage the drive shaft with the output gear as the drive shaft is moved in a first direction and to disengage the drive shaft from said output gear as the drive shaft is moved in a second direction. A drive member connected to a first end of the drive shaft is engageable with a room actuation mechanism, and a crank handle is removably connectable to a second end of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A low profile, expandable, mobile rigid structure with unique a unique assembly and support system, that can easily be transported by an average sized vehicle. The structure features a central structure with a central roof section, a pair of endwall assemblies, and a central floor mounted to a base. The endwalls are two pieced having a bottom endwall panel and a top endwall panel. From the side of the central structure one or more side sections are retractable and expandable to increase the size of the floor space inside. The two pieced endwalls allow for compaction of the structure for travel by translating the lower portion of the endwall from supporting the upper portion. A two pieced door allows entry into the structure when it is expanded.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for transportable living quarters having a main living area and a slide-out room includes a plurality of actuators connected between the main living area and the slide-out room to move the room between a retracted position retracted within the main living area and an extended position extended from the main living area, a plurality of position sensors associated with the plurality of actuators, each position sensor outputting a position signal representing a position of its associated actuator, a plurality of valves connected to the plurality of actuators, each valve being adjustable to either enable or inhibit movement of its corresponding actuator, and a controller for adjusting the valves in response to the position signals to synchronize movement of the actuators.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism provides for the extension and retraction of rooms in recreational vehicles while maximizing the space inside the vehicle. Braced parallel linkage members are applied between a vehicle frame member and an expandable room member. A hydraulic cylinder or other force assist element may be used to drive a slotted glide arm which, in turn, causes the braced parallelogram linkage to shift, thus pulling or pushing the room frame member relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: In a vehicle of a size of approximately a one-box car, a camping car which can be used also for transportation such as regular commutation, shopping and so on based on the ability of setting up a portion or entirety of a roof portion of the vehicle higher than a normal running state for ensuring a life space within the vehicle.

Abstract: A slide-out room for recreational vehicles, sleeper cabs of trucks, and similar mobile living quarters is supported for movement through an aperture in the side wall of the mobile living quarters by a set of four linkages, two of which are mounted between each side of the slide-out room in the corresponding side of the aperture of the side wall of the unit. When the slide-out room is fully retracted within the mobile living quarters, one of the linkages on each side of the slide-out room is fully extended and the other is fully collapsed. As the slide-out room is moved toward the fully-extended position, the other linkage gradually expands and the one linkage collapses, so in the fully extended, as well as the fully retracted position, the slide-out room is supported and aligned for movement through the aperture in the vehicle slide-out room, and the slide-out room is continuously supported as it travels between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle includes structure defining side walls of a main living unit mounted on a frame and a slide-out room which extends and retracts through an aperture in one of the side walls. Adjustments are provided to adjust the angular orientation of the slide-out room without respect to the side wall of the main living unit, to adjust the vertical position of the slide-out room in the extended position and to adjust the tilt of the slide-out room. Further adjustments are also provided to adjust the position of the back wall of the slide-out room in the retracted position to assure that trim and decals applied to the side wall of the unit and extending over the back wall of the slide-out room are properly aligned.

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.

Abstract: A reliable retractable and extendable protective cover assembly for covering the bed of a pick-up truck includes a pair of elongated guide tracks and rollers on each of the sides of the bed. The guide tracks are positioned in parallel formation on either side of the bed, and the rollers are located within the tracks. Furthermore, the guide tracks are located within the area on the bed that is to be covered. This positioning of the guide tracks and rollers reduces the risk of damage to the track-roller assembly in case of a hazard in the surrounding environment. A plurality of frame members are in guided engagement with the rollers. Expansion brackets are secured at the top and bottom of each of the frame members. Preferably the top bracket is fixedly secured to the frame member, whereas the bottom bracket moves along the length of the frame member. The frame members communicate with each other through linkages, the linkages being attached to the expansion brackets on two sides thereof.

Abstract: A portable facility, that is delivered to a shop where wheel sets for railcars and locomotives are repaired, contains equipment for reconditioning antifriction bearings that are stripped from the wheel sets. The facility includes an enclosure that contains equipment for inspecting the raceways of the bearings, for repairing the raceways, for opening and closing cages of the bearing to release and again confine its rolling elements, for measuring end play in the bearing, for lubricating the bearing, and for pressing seals into the bearing. In addition, the facility has a deck that supports equipment for disassembling the bearing and for removing grease from it.

Abstract: In a vehicle of a size of approximately a one-box car, a camping car which can be used also for transportation such as regular commutation, shopping and so on based on the ability of setting up a portion or entirety of a roof portion of the vehicle higher than a normal running state for ensuring a life space within the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slide-out support rail, which is particularly adapted for use as a single set of rails, which may be power operated or manually operated. The slide-out support rail system has an inner telescoping rail with a gear rack mounted on top of the upper wall of the inner rail. The teeth of the gear rack face upwardly and mesh with a pinion gear which is journaled relative to the outer rail above the gear rack.

Abstract: A vehicle rooftop deck system of affixed seating, handrails, and deck canopy-roof which raise for rooftop occupancy and lower for travel on recreational vehicles, amphibious vehicles, and watercraft.

Abstract: A pick up truck is disclosed, in which a longer cargo can stably be loaded as the case may be by increasing the size of a cargo box.