Abstract: An electronic slide-out room synchronization system is provided to synchronize multiple actuators of a slide-out room so that the slide-out room has accurate alignment during extension or retraction while further providing a proper seal at full extension or retraction. The system comprises two linear actuators such as lead screw mechanisms or hydraulic cylinders in communication with a controller activated by an activation or room switch located inside a recreational vehicle. The linear actuators, when signaled via the controller, move the slide-out room between a retracted position and an extended position. If the controller determines, by receiving signals from a sensor, that one of the linear actuators is moving faster or is extended or retracted further than the other linear actuator, the controller synchronizes the actuators so that they extend and retract in unison.

Abstract: The step assembly (10) includes a housing (12) which is mountable to a recreational vehicle, typically underneath the door of the vehicle. A pair of linkage arms (14) and (16) are rotatably coupled at their lower ends to each side of the housing (12). The step assembly (10) contains an upper tread assembly (18), a center tread assembly (24), and a lower tread assembly (34), respectively including an upper step (20), a center step (28), and a lower step (40). The upper ends of the linkage arms (14) and (16) are rotatably connected to the upper portion of the upper tread assembly (18). The center tread assembly (24) is slidably engaged with the upper tread assembly (18) through a slideway assembly (26). The lower tread assembly (34) has a lower tread pivot arm (38) which is rotatably coupled to the center tread assembly (24) by a pin (30) mounted on the center tread assembly.

Abstract: An automatic leveling system for a vehicle includes four leveling jacks coupled to a vehicle and extendible into contact with the ground to stabilize the vehicle. A level sensor calculates the location of a plane defined by the chassis of the vehicle, and downloads the information regarding the location of the plane to an onboard computer. The computer calculates the difference between the present location of the chassis plane and a plane which is level. The computer determines which of the leveling jacks need to be extended, and the proportion of extension required by each jack to activate the jacks in unison to level the vehicle. The computer further determines the proportions of flow that are needed to actuate the jacks in unison. To achieve the desired proportional flow, solenoid valves in a manifold coupling the jacks to a source of fluid are operated at varying frequencies.

Abstract: A system varies space of a vehicle having a first portion with occupiable space and a number of ground engaging wheels coupled to the first portion. A second occupiable portion is coupled to the first portion and configured to move relative thereto to adjust volume of an occupiable living space defined by both portions. A pair of support arms are coupled to the first portion which each have a bearing member engaging a guide of the second portion. Each bearing member is permitted to move relative to an axis perpendicular to an axis of travel of the second portion to relieve stress from forces acting on the system which are nonparallel to the axis of travel. The arms are positioned by an operator controlled positioning mechanism. In another system, an arrangement of telescoping arms is disclosed for positioning a first occupiable portion relative to a second occupiable portion. This arrangement includes an operator positioning mechanism with a rotatable member formed from a self-lubricating polymeric material.

Abstract: A vehicle for providing adjustable occupant space has a fixed occupiable section defining a first interior space. The fixed occupiable section includes a number of ground engaging wheels and has a floor affixed to a number of walls. Also included is an expandable occupiable section moveably coupled to the fixed section which also has a floor fixed to at least one wall. The expandable section defines a second interior space intersecting the first interior space which is moveable relative to the first interior space to vary an amount of total living space defined by the fixed and expandable sections. A carriage for supporting the expandable section and selectively positioning it relative to the fixed section is included to adjust volume of the living space defined by both sections. This carriage includes at least one arm pivotably anchored to the first section which engages the expandable section in a load bearing relationship.

Abstract: A retractable step assembly (10) includes a step (12) pinned to the lower ends of a pair of swing arms (14, 16) depending downwardly from a bracket (30) for mounting the step assembly to the underside of a vehicle. An electric motor (20) powers the upper end of a swing arm (14) to rotate the two swing arms between retracted and extended positions. A clutch assembly (24) is interposed between the electric motor and the swing arm (14) to allow the motor to continue to operate to the end of its cycle if the step or swing arm become obstructed. A lock assembly (170) is provided to lock the step in retracted position, with the lock being automatically disengaged when the step assembly is actuated to extend the step from retracted position.

Abstract: A system varies space of a vehicle having a fixed portion and a number of ground engaging wheels coupled to the fixed portion. An expandable portion coupled to the fixed portion moves along a first axis relative to the fixed portion to vary volume of a living space defined by both portions. A pair of moveable, load bearing arms are each coupled to the fixed portion and each have a bearing member that contacts the expandable portion. The bearing member of each of the arms moves relative to both portions along a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis during varying of the living space. Another housing system includes an enclosure with a pair of walls that may be selectively coupled together by a latch. In one form, this latch includes a pair of guide rails fixed to one of the walls that define a channel therebetween. One of the rails defines a first notch intersecting the channel. A projection extends from the other wall which defines a second notch.