Abstract: A desirable travel trailer can be constructed so that the internal floor within such a trailer is capped by a series of joists located on the chassis of the trailer. The spaces between the joists can be used to hold various tanks and other items assocated with the use of the trailer. Preferably the tanks which are expected to be heaviest as the trailer is used are located directly above the undercarriage of the trailer so that the tongue weight of the trailer is not altered or significantly altered as the weight of such tanks are changed due to changes in their contents.

Abstract: A seat structure capable of being manipulated between a normal seat or chair position and a bed position can be formed so that the seat bottom and the seat back are used along with a base of the seat structure as parts of a five-bar linkage system. A structure is provided on the base and on the seat bottom for controlling the movement of the seat bottom and the other parts connected to it in this linkage system as the seat bottom is moved between the seat and bed configurations. Interlocks are provided between the base and the seat bottom for preventing up or down movement of the back of the seat and the seat back when the seat structure is in the seat configuration.

Abstract: Stress-skin panels can be manufactured by locating the skins of such panels against mold surfaces which are spaced from one another so that spacers separate these mold surfaces along their side edges. A composition capable of setting up so as to form a rigid, porous foam which is bonded to the skins is introduced into the space between the mold surfaces and the spacers through the use of a movable nozzle structure which introduces substantially equal quantities of the composition along a line extending between the spacers. The nozzle structure is moved in the space between the mold surfaces from one end of the space to the other in such a manner that uniform amounts of the composition are placed within the space along the length of the space. When the composition has become rigid the apparatus is disassembled and the panel produced is removed from it.

Abstract: The towing characteristics of a trailer can be improved by utilizing a suspension system for the wheels of the trailer which tends to steer the trailer as it is towed behind a vehicle. Such a suspension system preferably includes an axle extending beneath the frame or body of the trailer, wheels on the ends of the axles and mounting structure such as springs connecting the ends of the axle to the body or frame. These mounting structures are constructed so as to cause the axle to move relative to the body of the frame so that the wheels tend to steer the trailer in response to the forces exerted on the mounting structures as the trailer is turned as it is being towed.

Abstract: A bed structure which is primarily intended for use in an extension of the body of a motorhome extending over the cab of the motorhome can be constructed so as to utilize a support holding a mattress pad so that they are capable of being manipulated between normal use positions in which the support and the pad serve as a normal part of the bed to another non-use position in which both the support and the pad are located above another second support of the bed. This second support holds a second pad which is constructed so as to coact with the first pad on the first support so as to fit on top of the first pad when the first support and pad are shifted to the non-use position above the second support. A strap is provided for returning the second pad to its normal position when the first support and the first pad are moved back to their normal positions.

Abstract: Effective, simple, easily assembled joints between adjacent ends of structural members such as stress-skin panels may be constructed by shaping the ends of such members so that they can be fitted together. Each of such structural members has a core located between two side members. The disclosed invention relates to identically shaping the interfitting ends of such members so that the cores between the side members include sloping walls spaced from the side members by spacing walls. One of the side members on each structural member is constructed so as to overlap a side member on the other structural member when the panels are fitted together. An adhesive is used to join all adjacent surfaces within the joint between such two members.

Abstract: The manner in which a trailer "rides" and the "towability" of a trailer can both be improved by utilizing a wheel suspension system employing a separate suspension structure for each wheel of the trailer. Each of such suspension structures includes an elongated member serving as an axle. One of the ends of such a member is connected to the chassis of the trailer using a torsional energy absorption device while the other of the ends of the member carries a wheel of the trailer. The latter end of the member is connected to the chassis of the trailer through the use of a spring. Various adjustments are embodied within the suspension structure for use as reasonably required in connection with the trailer.