Variable Capacity Of Body Patents (Class 296/26.01)
  • Publication number: 20080048464
    Abstract: A seal assembly for mobile living quarters seals around a slide-out room, includes a pair of attaching members extending along the inside and outside surfaces of the main living area wall at an aperture through which the slide-out room moves, and further includes a connecting member extending between the attaching members and along the edge of the wall defining the aperture. A wiper seal extends from the connecting member to flex against the walls of the slide-out room, and the connecting member further includes an accordion pleat for adjusting the distance between the attaching members to thereby accommodate walls of different thicknesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Edwin E. Ksiezopolski, Norman L. Newhouse
  • Patent number: 7334827
    Abstract: The present teachings describe a method and system for deploying and retracting recreational vehicle slide-outs. The recreational vehicle includes a vertical movement member positioned in a recessed region formed in an exterior wall of the recreational vehicle so as to be adjacent the lower portion of an opening formed therein. At least a portion of the floor of the slide-out glides along the vertical movement member during retraction so as to lift the slide-out housing to the second level and glides along the vertical movement member during deployment so as to lower the slide-out housing to the third level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie R. Crean
  • 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: 7293814
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle having a fixed room and a slide-out room which extends and retracts relative to the fixed room. The fixed room includes a floor section, sidewall sections, and a roof section, and the slide-out room includes a floor section, sidewall sections, and a roof section. A slide-out extension mechanism extends and retracts the slide-out room in a cantilevered manner. In a fully retracted position, the roof section and two of the sidewall sections of the slide-out room are typically concealed from exterior view, and a third sidewall section of the slide-out room forms a portion of the sidewall section of the fixed room. Furthermore, the floor section of the slide-out room is flush with the floor section of the fixed room, and proximal ends of the sidewall sections of the slide-out room are flush with an inner surface of one of the sidewall sections of the fixed room when the slide-out room is fully extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: RBW Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Willis Blodgett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7258389
    Abstract: A hydraulic synchronization system for a slide-out portion of a recreational vehicle has two cylinders spaced apart and reversed in orientation with respect to one another at opposite sides of the slide-out portion. The bore sides of the cylinders are connected and the rod sides of the cylinders are connected such that fluid is pumped from the rod side of one cylinder to the rod side of the other cylinder and from the bore side of one cylinder to the bore side of the other cylinder upon extension and retraction of the slide-out portion to keep the slide-out portion synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: John D. Franzini
  • Publication number: 20070176451
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a slide-out system comprising an inner rail that slides into and out of an inner rail. The inner rail is supported within the outer rail by a single support roller and a retaining slide, while a rail gear drives a gear rack on the inner rail to cause extension or retraction. This arrangement allows the rails of the slide-out system to be narrower than those used in many popular flush-floor slide-out systems in use today.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Larry Revelino, John Pervorse
  • 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: 7237817
    Abstract: A roll-out cargo bed comprises a frame structure configured to connect to a cargo bed of a vehicle, a plurality of bearings mounted to the frame structure, a deck connected to the frame structure, and a cable tension release mechanism disposed within the frame structure. The cable tension release mechanism may comprise a plurality of pulleys strategically spaced to facilitate extending the roll-out cargo bed. The roll-out cargo bed may further comprise a damper mechanism to reduce vibrations during transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventors: Tony Kobylski, Terry A. Kobylski
  • Patent number: 7237818
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle comprising a vehicle frame having a plurality of wheels and a coach having a slide-out mounted on the vehicle frame is disclosed herein. In particular, the recreational vehicle comprises an improved slide-out mechanism for deploying and retracting slide-out structures from the coach of the recreational vehicle. In one aspect, the recreational vehicle may comprise an armature having a fixed member with a roller and a guiding channel mounted to the vehicle frame and a rail member slidably positioned within the fixed member so as to contact the roller, wherein the rail member is adapted to telescopically extend from the fixed member through the guiding channel so as to deploy and retract the slide-out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventors: Johnnie R. Crean, Ron Brown
  • 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: 7232170
    Abstract: A rack assembly secures articles to a motor vehicle having a liftgate. The liftgate defines a predetermined liftgate with, a bumper and a roof rack. The rack assembly includes first and second base mounts that are fixedly secured to the bumper. The rack assembly also includes first and second rack mounts that are fixedly secured to the roof rack. The rack assembly also includes a mounting rack that is pivotally secured to the first base mount and the first rack mount and removeably securable to the second base mount and second rack mount. The mounting rack provides securing devices for securing articles thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventor: Brad E. Watson
  • Patent number: 7204536
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle has pivot out rooms across the hallway from one another, at least partially overlapping from side to side along the length of the vehicle and arranged so that when they are retracted they create a hallway that has generally parallel sides. A thrust bearing supports the weight of each pivot out room and the hinge axis is inside of the vehicle so as to move the seal flange of the pivot out room out away from the recreational vehicle wall so as not to destroy the seals upon opening and to create a seal upon opening. A cog drive can be used to drive the room in and out and bear some of the room weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Kunz
  • Patent number: 7201418
    Abstract: A load floor assembly includes a load floor and a frame. The frame supports the load floor, and the load floor is movable with respect to the frame between a first position in which the load floor is entirely located within a vehicle cargo area, and a second position in which at least a portion of the load floor extends rearward of a rear body opening. The load floor is preferably movable to a third position forward of the first position in which increased vehicle body floor space is exposed adjacent to the rear body opening. A ramp surface supports the forward portion of the load floor in the third position to prevent a cantilevered condition. The load floor preferably includes two handles that are operative to disengage a latch for selective movement of the load floor between the positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew L. Bartos, Robin Stevenson
  • Patent number: 7144058
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle is disclosed providing living space extensions with improved actuation and alignment systems, sun deck extensions, a deployable stairway, and a stowable tub. In some embodiments, the living space extension may be actuated by at least one self-centering rack and pinion system. In another embodiment, the alignment system may provide at least one tension cord for maintaining the extension in an upright position. The sun deck extension may be provided with actuatable sidewall panels configured to provide a parapet on at least a portion of the extension. The stairs may be provided with sliding treads coupled to a stringer, and the tub may be retractable and configured with a retractable bed and cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Appropriate Combined Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Amos G Winter
  • Patent number: 7066517
    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: 7025398
    Abstract: A pull out system, or a pull out drawer system for vehicles and trailers can be improved by an inverted French F-channel as a stationary rail; an inverted U-channel as a movable rail; and/or a cam-follower bearing being present among rollers on the rails. Also, a movable frame for a pull out drawer system can be improved by providing a support member for supporting a slide-in/out accessory, for example, a drawer or a ramp, and further by providing the accessory with such a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Durakon Acquisition Corp.
    Inventors: John C. Montagna, Donald J. LaBelle
  • Patent number: 7014238
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a unit utilized in the practice of outdoor sports, specifically, but not solely, for stalking and legally hunting animals. Specifically it refers to an automatically and reversibly transformable trailer-to-raised lookout platform from which the animals may be observed for the purpose of filming them, photographing them or hunting them. It is characterized by consisting of a cube-shaped structure with at least one set of wheels and a hitch for connecting it to a towing vehicle, with a roof made up of a platform and an awning which may be raised and lowered by means of telescoping arms located in each corner and activated by an elevation system which raises the platform above the trailer thus forming the floor of an observation and lookout cabin, as well as the awning which at the same time is raised above the platform making between the awning and the platform means for covering the side opening of the cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Jaime Humberto Gutierrez Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7011351
    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: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie R. Crean
  • Patent number: 7004528
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy L. Nye, Robert H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6981728
    Abstract: A system is described which may be used to extend and retract a slide-out compartment of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Happijac Company
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 6971489
    Abstract: A motor and brake assembly having a disengaging mechanism for use with RV's are disclosed. The assembly includes a motor and a disengaging mechanism that is mounted thereon. The disengaging mechanism includes a motor mount comprised of a cylindrical piece with a plurality of holes disposed on the periphery of an outer flange of the cylindrical piece. The cylindrical piece extends over the barrel of the motor and is secured to the barrel with a plurality of screws. Through manipulation of the cylindrical piece, the user can selectively engage or disengage the brake from the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: RBW Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Willis Blodgett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6969105
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: RV Safety Products, LLC
    Inventor: Richard G. Rincoe
  • Patent number: 6966590
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventors: Edwin E. Ksiezopolki, Norman L. Newhouse, II
  • Patent number: 6938939
    Abstract: The slide-out mechanisms described herein are generally composed of two components. More specifically, the slide-out mechanism includes at least one elongated member, also referred to as a ram, which is coupled to the floor of a movable room. This elongated member moves with the extendable portion of a movable room. Additionally, the slide-out mechanism includes a base that is coupled to the coach floor and contains a motive device for extending and retracting the movable room accessible from the inside of the slide-out room. According to various embodiments disclosed herein, the motive device may be a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical motor. Alternatively, the motive force may be a crank that may be manually actuated to extend and retract the slideout room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: RBW Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Willis Blodgett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6932403
    Abstract: A slide out actuating mechanism for selectively extending and retracting a slidable section of a slide out assembly fixed to a vehicle body includes at least two double acting fluid actuated actuators. Each actuator has a cylinder and an extendible ram. Each cylinder is fixed relative to one of the vehicle body and the slidable section, and each ram is fixed relative to the other of the vehicle body and the slidable section. At least one flow divider having at least two fluid ports directs fluid to and from the cylinders. One of the fluid ports is in fluid communication with one of the cylinders and the other of the fluid ports being in fluid communication with the other of the cylinders, wherein the flow divider maintains the flow of fluid flowing through the ports at substantially equal flow rates to synchronize movement of the rams when moving the rams relative to the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Bert Meijer, Haiko Freriksen
  • Patent number: 6929302
    Abstract: A pull-out extender includes a container that is attachable to a passenger vehicle. A foldable table-like unit is stored in the container and includes rollers which are accommodated in grooves defined in the container. Foldable and telescoping legs are attached to the table-like elements and a tent-like cover can also be attached to the vehicle above the container to cover the table-like elements when such elements are deployed. Grommets are included on the table-like elements for accommodating umbrellas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventors: Kenneth N. Demick, Jenave J. Demick
  • Patent number: 6928773
    Abstract: A slide-out room for mobile living quarters is moved between a retracted position above the main floor of the main living area to an extended position with the auxiliary floor substantially flush with the main floor by engaging an extendable drive connected at one point to the slide-out room and connected at a second point to the main living area structure. The actuating system accommodates up and down movement of the auxiliary floor when the slide-out room is shifted. A cord retractor attachable to said mobile living quarters allows a power cord or other similarly flexible wires or tubing to be extended away from the main living area in conjunction with extension of the slide-out room. When the slide-out room is retracted, the cord retractor urges the cord to a resting position between the auxiliary floor and sub-floor in conjunction with the retraction of the slide-out room and prevents binding or bunching of the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Stewart Gardner
  • Patent number: 6896307
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy L. Nye, Robert H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6894447
    Abstract: A system for extending and retracting expandable rooms in vehicles. The system employs linear actuators that can be mounted laterally to the direction of movement of the room when it is expanded or extended. In order to provide for extending and retracting the room, the actuators are connected to heavy chains which are connected to the main body of the vehicle structure and which will flex in one direction only. The chains ride in tracks such that when the actuators are retracted, the room will be extended, and when the actuators are extended, the room will be retracted. The system includes infrared sensors that sense movement of each chain to produce a signal that is used to synchronize movement of all of the actuators as the room is extended or retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: HWH Corporation
    Inventors: John Friede, Mitchell P. Schmalz
  • Publication number: 20040256873
    Abstract: An apparatus for configuring the cargo area of a vehicle includes an expansion portion or movable cover for increasing and decreasing the cargo area upon movement between a retracted position and an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick W. McManus, Martin P. McManus
  • Publication number: 20040251704
    Abstract: A mobile work station assembly for a vehicle. The work station incorporates a docking station, toolbox, file organizer, power inverter, storage container and a mobile phone assembly on a sliding load floor that can extend outwardly from the interior of the vehicle. The work station is removably attached to the load floor. The work station is adapted for mounting in a vehicle interior or within a pickup truck bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Aaron Rubel, Brett Giem, Stephen J. Lewis, David B. Reed, Victor Kruk
  • Patent number: 6805391
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Robert H. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20040183323
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle having a fixed room and a slide-out room which extends and retracts relative to the fixed room. The fixed room includes a floor section, sidewall sections, and a roof section, and the slide-out room includes a floor section, sidewall sections, and a roof section. A slide-out extension mechanism extends and retracts the slide-out room in a cantilevered manner. In a fully retracted position, the roof section and two of the sidewall sections of the slide-out room are typically concealed from exterior view, and a third sidewall section of the slide-out room forms a portion of the sidewall section of the fixed room. Furthermore, the floor section of the slide-out room is flush with the floor section of the fixed room, and proximal ends of the sidewall sections of the slide-out room are flush with an inner surface of one of the sidewall sections of the fixed room when the slide-out room is fully extended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Raymond Willis Blodgett
  • Publication number: 20040174031
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Happijac Company
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20040150240
    Abstract: Recreational Vehicle (RV) are usually a trailer or a bus size vehicle used for camping or traveling, that is fully self contained, and contains all the amenities like a home, such as kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, shower, and living room etc. However due to DMV restrictions, those vehicles can't be wider than a certain size, usually 8 feet. Another reason for the width limitation is for the safety of the transporter(s) and traffic. If the vehicle is too wide it makes it unsafe and hard to maneuver. That is the reason coach and RV manufacturers try to produce an 8 feet wide RV that expands, so the extra space when parked gives more living area. The invention hereof offers an alternative way to double the available living space by having a floor plan feature counter-double slide out which enable us to provide a more spacious and free flowing transportable dwelling unit, which maximizes the consumers ability to have the extras that the conventional Slide-out arrangement doesn't offer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Doron S. Koren
  • Publication number: 20040150241
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Timothy L. Nye, Robert H. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20040145204
    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: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Few, Bernard F. Garceau, Mark D. Howie, James D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040130173
    Abstract: A slide out actuating mechanism for selectively extending and retracting a slidable section of a slide out assembly fixed to a vehicle body includes at least two double acting fluid actuated actuators. Each actuator has a cylinder and an extendible ram. Each cylinder is fixed relative to one of the vehicle body and the slidable section, and each ram is fixed relative to the other of the vehicle body and the slidable section. At least one flow divider having at least two fluid ports directs fluid to and from the cylinders. One of the fluid ports is in fluid communication with one of the cylinders and the other of the fluid ports being in fluid communication with the other of the cylinders, wherein the flow divider maintains the flow of fluid flowing through the ports at substantially equal flow rates to synchronize movement of the rams when moving the rams relative to the cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Bert Meijer, Haiko Freriksen
  • Publication number: 20040130172
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas J. Yoder, Jerry L. Babcock
  • Publication number: 20040124651
    Abstract: An operating mechanism for selectively extending and retracting a slide-out section of a vehicle. The mechanism includes a vertically extending support member fixable relative to a vehicle body. The support member having an upper edge. At least one pair of rollers are rotatably mounted to the support member. Each roller of the at least one pair of rollers have a radially outwardly facing surface, and at least a portion of the radially outwardly facing surface extends above the support member upper edge. A rail member for supporting the slide-out section engages the at least one pair of rollers for slidable movement between an extended position and a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Timothy J. Huffman, Thomas H. Kessler, William H. Benetreu
  • Publication number: 20040108741
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Bran Ferren
  • Patent number: 6735909
    Abstract: A slide-out room assembly for mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, includes a pair of side walls, a ceiling wall, and a floor wall, all of which are received in corresponding sockets in a frame that extends around the outer edges of the side walls, floor wall and ceiling wall. The frame includes an outwardly extending flange that engages the side wall of the main living quarters when the slide-out room is retracted. The outer wall panel is bonded to the flange by an appropriate adhesive and encloses the end of the slide-out room defined between the ends of the side walls, ceiling wall and floor wall. A raceway is provided in the frame that extends around ends of the side walls, floor wall and ceiling wall to permit the necessary electrical wiring to be routed around the end of the slide-out room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Stewart Gardner
  • Patent number: 6712414
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Floyd L. Morrow
  • Patent number: 6702353
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle having a fixed room and a slide-out room which extends and retracts relative to the fixed room. The fixed room includes a floor section, sidewall sections, and a roof section, and the slide-out room includes a floor section, sidewall sections, and a roof section. A slide-out extension mechanism extends and retracts the slide-out room in a cantilevered manner. In a fully retracted position, the roof section and two of the sidewall sections of the slide-out room are typically concealed from exterior view, and a third sidewall section of the slide-out room forms a portion of the sidewall section of the fixed room. Furthermore, the floor section of the slide-out room is flush with the floor section of the fixed room, and proximal ends of the sidewall sections of the slide-out room are flush with an inner surface of one of the sidewall sections of the fixed room when the slide-out room is fully extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: RBW Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Willis Blodgett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6685249
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Robert H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6681531
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drive mechanism for a slide-out room including a support rail for mounting under the slide-out room and moving through a guide mounted to the vehicle. The support rail includes a rack which is driven by a pinion gear mounted within the guide. A pair of motors turn the pinion gear to drive the room between the extended and retracted position. According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive mechanism is attached to the vehicle floor and disposed almost entirely within a cavity formed in the room floor. A pair of bevel gears connected to the pinion gear extend from the guide and mate with a corresponding pair of bevel gears driven by the pair of motors. Accordingly, the motors, which cooperate to provide the power needed to move the room, may also be disposed within the room floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: VT Holdings II, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick W. McManus
  • Patent number: 6663160
    Abstract: A cargo bed cover is provided for enclosing the cargo bed of a vehicle. A generally planar outer frame is mounted to the cargo bed, and two generally planar inner frames are connected with hinges to the outer frame for pivoting relative to the outer frame. The inner frames are moveable between a position with the inner frame generally parallel to the outer frame and a position with the inner frame at an angle relative to the outer frame. A generally planar cover panel is connected with a hinge to each inner frame for pivoting relative to the inner frame between a position with the cover panel is generally parallel to the inner frame and a position with the cover panel is at an angle relative to the inner frame. Each cover panel is slidingly connected to the inner frame for sliding relative to the inner frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventors: Randy D. Yarbrough, Charles W. Kemp
  • Patent number: 6655723
    Abstract: A vehicle including a stationary floor and an upwardly extending exterior wall fixed relative to the stationary floor. An opening formed in the exterior wall receives a slide-out section disposed therein, The slide-out section is movable relative to the stationary floor between an extended position and a retracted position. An actuating mechanism controls the movement of the slide-out section. The actuating mechanism includes at least one hydraulic actuator having an extendible ram extendible from a cylinder. The extendible ram is fixed to at least one of the stationary floor and the slide-out section, and the cylinder is fixed to the other of the stationary floor and the slide-out section. Retraction of the extendible ram slidably moves the slide-out section to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Bert Meijer, Haiko Freriksen, Leo de Jong