Abstract: An awning system includes a housing connectable to a rear of a vehicle and an awning canopy extendable from and retractable into the housing. In an embodiment, a plurality of marker lights is integrated with the housing and oriented to project light in a rearward direction when the housing is attached to the rear of the vehicle. In another embodiment, a rear-facing camera is integrated with the housing and oriented to have a field of view covering an area rearward of the vehicle and below the canopy.

Abstract: A lift assist device for a slide-out room includes a base and a floor support having a fixed portion, a deflecting portion, and a biasing member disposed between the base and the deflecting portion. When the slide out room is in an extended position, the weight of the room deflects the deflecting portion, thereby compressing the biasing member. As the slide-out room is being retracted from the extended position, the biasing member decompresses, thereby facilitating lifting of the slide-out room.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a ramp door includes a door actuation system and a limit stop system. The actuation system is connected between the door and a frame or the vehicular structure directly and is operable to pivot the door between closed, deck, and ramp positions. The limit stop system selectively limits the pivoting of the door to a range between the closed and deck portion or to a range between the closed and ramp positions.

Abstract: A method and device for halting the extension or retraction of a retractable awning comprises a sensor coupled to a processor that commands awning extension and retraction. The sensor senses a motion parameter, such as acceleration, which is associated with extension or retraction motion of a retractable awning and generates corresponding respective extension or retraction motion parameter signals. The processor calculates an acceleration rate of change and/or a tilt angle from the motion parameter signals received from the sensor, and halts awning extension or retraction by generating and sending a stop signal when the acceleration rate of change or tilt angle meets at least one predetermined criterion.

Abstract: A platform twist mitigation apparatus operable to extend jacks into engagement with a surface disposed below a platform carrying the jacks, and to alternately extend and retract the jacks to change platform attitude relative to the surface. Tilt sensors are supported at spaced locations on the platform. An electronic control module is programmed to detect a platform twist condition in response to angle data received from the tilt sensors and to mitigate the platform twist condition by operating or modifying the operation of the jacks.

Abstract: A ramp door and door frame include a rail kit that deploys automatically when the door is opened and collapses automatically when the door is closed. The door is supported by a cable mechanism when the door is opened. The cable mechanism causes an end rail to pivot up and away from the door when the door is opened and down and toward the door when the door is closed. The end rail cooperates with a door frame to deploy flexible side barriers when the door is opened and to collapse the side barriers when the door is closed.

Abstract: A cable-operated mechanism for actuating a slide-out room includes a column, an endless chain loop disposed with the column, first and second drive blocks engaged with the chain loop, and first through fourth cables attached at first ends thereof to the drive blocks. The cables are attached at second ends thereof to inboard and outboard ends of a slide out room. Operation of the chain loop in a first direction tensions the cables attached to the inboard end of the room and slackens the cables attached to the outboard end. Operation of the chain loop in a second direction has the opposite effect.

Abstract: An expandable pontoon boat includes a center section, a first side section, and a second side section. First and second telescoping assemblies connect the first side section to the center section, and third and fourth telescoping assemblies connect the second side section to the center section. The telescoping assemblies may be extended and retracted to extend and retract the first and second side sections from the center section, thereby widening and narrowing the boat, respectively.

Abstract: A structure such as a toy hauler recreational vehicle includes a bed lift that moves a bed vertically between a lowered position, a raised position, and an upright position. The bed is oriented horizontally and positioned to receive one or more persons to sleep on it in the lowered position. The bed is oriented horizontally and stowed adjacent to a ceiling of the vehicle in the raised position. At least a portion of the bed is oriented vertically and stowed adjacent to a wall of the structure when the bed is in the upright position. The bed lift can include a mounting member that: (a) moves between a first position where the bed is oriented horizontally and a second position where the bed is oriented vertically and/or (b) is vertically offset to allow the bed to be lowered below or adjacent to the bottom of the bed lift.

Abstract: A stabilizing system includes a plurality of jacks, each operated by a corresponding hydraulic actuator. A hydraulic fluid transfer pump provides supplies hydraulic fluid to and receives hydraulic fluid from one or more pressure chambers of the actuator. A pilot-operated check or directional valve may be provided in fluid communication with one or more of the pressure chambers and configured to regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the pressure chamber.

Abstract: A boat lift includes four posts and four linear actuators, each attached to one of the posts. Each linear actuator includes an extendable and retractable member oriented for extension and retraction substantially parallel to the post. Ends of a first pair of the extendable and retractable members are connected to a first carrier and ends of a second pair of the extendable and retractable members are connected to a second carrier. A cradle or platform is supported by the first and second carriers. The boat lift may be supported by the ground, by a structure, for example, a dock, a sea wall or a wall of a boat house, or by pontoons.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle (RV) includes a ramp door configurable as a ramp or as a patio deck. A stair is attachable to a side of the door. A railing extends about the perimeter of the door when in the deck configuration. First and second support cables may be connected between the door and the RV to support the door when in the deck configuration.

Abstract: A door closer includes a helical extension spring disposed within a housing. A first end of the spring is attached to a spring anchor attached to a first end of the housing. A second end of the spring is attached to a first end of a strap. The strap passes through a strap guide attached to a second end of the housing. A second end of the strap is configured for attachment to a door jamb. The spring anchor and strap guide are configured for attachment to a door.

Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system includes a pivot arm pivotably connected to first and second plates at a pivot point, first and second bump stops connected between the first and second plates on one side of the pivot point, and third and fourth bump stops connected between the first and second plates on the other side of the pivot point. First through fourth shock absorbers are disposed between the pivot arm and the first through fourth bump stops, respectively.

Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts. A synchronizing control operates the motors.

Abstract: A structure includes an item of furniture coupled to a lift system. The lifting system is configured to move the item of furniture vertically along a path between a lowered position and a raised position. The item of furniture is coupled to the lifting system in a manner that allows the item of furniture to move upward along the path when the lifting system is stationary. When the item of furniture is in the lowered position, it is supported on the floor of the structure. This configuration allows the item of furniture to float relative to the lifting system so that when the item of furniture reaches the lowered position, it is supported only by the floor and not the lifting system.

Abstract: A system for attaching a grab handle to a structure adjacent an opening in the structure includes a frame and a bracket attached to the frame. The bracket includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion defines one or more apertures for receiving fasteners attaching a mount of the grab handle to the bracket. The second portion defines one or more apertures for receiving fasteners attaching the bracket and the door frame to the structure. The third portion may define one or more apertures for receiving fasteners attaching the bracket to the frame.

Abstract: A stabilizing system includes a plurality of jacks, each operated by a corresponding hydraulic actuator. A hydraulic fluid transfer pump provides supplies hydraulic fluid to and receives hydraulic fluid from one or more pressure chambers of the actuator. A pilot-operated check or directional valve may be provided in fluid communication with one or more of the pressure chambers and configured to regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the pressure chamber.

Abstract: A trailer tongue jack is convertible between operation by an integral actuator and an external actuator. The jack includes a clutch mechanism or coupler operable to selectively engage a drive screw with the integral actuator or the external actuator.