Abstract: A multi-stage torsion axle that has a first stage torsion assembly positioned within a second stage torsion assembly. The first stage torsion assembly has a square first stage shaft within a first elastomeric bushing. The second stage torsion assembly has a square tubular second stage shaft within a second elastomeric bushing, the second stage shaft fitting around the first stage torsion assembly. A hollow square tubular housing fits around the second stage assembly. The resilience of the first stage torsion assembly is less than the resilience of the second stage torsion assembly. A stop mechanism directly transfers torque from the first stage shaft to the second stage shaft when the first stage has rotated more than a predetermined amount relative to the second stage shaft.

Abstract: A reinforcing bracket for trailer frame-member butt joints comprises a first flange adapted to be parallel to the face of the frame members, a second flange extending perpendicularly from the first flange, and a third flange extending from the second flange parallel to the first flange. The first flange includes a plurality of dimples that correspond to dimples in the frame members. Each dimple in the first flange has an aperture therein that corresponds to an aperture in the corresponding frame-member dimple. In operation, the bracket is bolted to the frame members forming the joint. The present invention also describes a trailer frame utilizing the reinforcing bracket.

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 reinforcing bracket for trailer frame-member butt joints comprises a first flange adapted to be parallel to the face of the frame members, a second flange extending perpendicularly from the first flange, and a third flange extending from the second flange parallel to the first flange. The first flange includes a plurality of dimples that correspond to dimples in the frame members. Each dimple in the first flange has an aperture therein that corresponds to an aperture in the corresponding frame-member dimple. In operation, the bracket is bolted to the frame members forming the joint. The present invention also describes a trailer frame utilizing the reinforcing bracket.

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 reinforcing bracket for a trailer frame comprises a first side that bolts onto one frame member of a trailer frame, a second side that bolts onto a second member of a trailer frame, and a third side that bolts onto a flange of one or both members. Both the first side and second side comprise a plurality of dimples that nest into dimples in the trailer frame members. Each dimple has an aperture therein that corresponds to an aperture in the frame members, enabling the bracket to be bolted to the frame members. The third side of the bracket is approximately ninety degrees to both the first and second sides, and includes at least one aperture that corresponds to an aperture in a flange of one or both of the frame members.

Abstract: A scissor jack assembly with double-lead Acme threaded screw. Through use of urethane or similar material as a braking means, the jack assembly is operable with a self locking action over a wider range of loads and especially at lower loads where an Acme loading phenomenon that results in said self locking action has previously been unattainable. Faster and smoother jack operation is made possible by employing a thrust bearing, including a plurality of roller or ball bearings, with the jack assembly. A spacing washer is also provided to retain the threaded shaft within the trunnions of the jack assembly, in order that the ends of each of the trunnions need not be machined or stamped to retain the trunnions within the jack assembly. Utilizing such a spacing washer decreases the costs involved with manufacturing the jack assembly, while increasing the ability to repair the jack assembly.

Abstract: A convertible engine stand including a base engine stand having a single vertical support and a telescopic base is used to supports engines up to one-thousand two-hundred fifty (1250) pounds. A conversion kit, including a second vertical support converts the base engine stand into one having supports for both ends of an engine and supports engines up to two-thousand (2000) pounds.

Abstract: A scissor jack assembly with double-lead Acme threaded screw. Through use of urethane or similar material as a braking means, the jack assembly is operable with a self locking action over a wider range of loads and especially at lower loads where an Acme loading phenomenon that results in said self locking action has previously been unattainable. Faster and smoother jack operation is made possible by employing a thrust bearing, including a plurality of roller or ball bearings, with the jack assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is for a method of converting a standard jack knife hinge into a new hinge, which allows access to a storage area underneath the seat bottom while retaining the ability to be used as a sofa and a bed. The new hinge is created by removing the seat bottom frame from the seat bottom bracket, fixably attaching a first attachment bracket to the seat bottom frame, pivotally attaching the first attachment bracket to a second attachment bracket, and fixably attaching the seat bottom bracket and the second attachment bracket to the seat base frame. The present invention also claims the finished combined hinge as well as a convertible sofa utilizing the new hinge.

Abstract: A scissor jack assembly with double-lead Acme threaded screw. Through use of urethane or similar material as a braking means, the jack assembly is operable with a self locking action over a wider range of loads and especially at lower loads where an Acme loading phenomenon that results in said self locking action has previously been unattainable. Faster and smoother jack operation is made possible by employing a thrust bearing, including a plurality of roller or ball bearings, with the jack assembly. A spacing washer is also provided to retain the threaded shaft within the trunnions of the jack assembly, in order that the ends of each of the trunnions need not be machined or stamped to retain the trunnions within the jack assembly. Utilizing such a spacing washer decreases the costs involved with manufacturing the jack assembly, while increasing the ability to repair the jack assembly.

Abstract: A locking wheel chock apparatus for use with tent trailers, travel trailers and boat trailers having single or dual axles. The chock apparatus functions not only to hold a trailer in position, but also to limit the rocking or rotational movement of tire and wheel combination where a tent or travel trailer is used for camping, i.e. living conditions. The chock apparatus generally comprises a pair of metal chock assemblies which are movably linked together by a screw driven mechanism for tightening and loosening that the chock assemblies about that the tread area of a single tire and wheel assembly. A first embodiment of the chock apparatus uses a shaft-like drive mechanism having a centrally located hand grip and right and left hand thread screws. Both manual and wrench assisted tightening and loosening of the chock assemblies is attainable.

Abstract: Embodiments of a locking wheel chock apparatus are disclosed for use with recreational vehicles, travel trailers and boat trailers having dual axles. The chock apparatus functions not only to hold a trailer in position, but also to limit the rocking or rotational movement of tire and wheel combination where a recreational vehicle or travel trailer is used for camping, i.e. living conditions. The chock apparatus generally comprises a pair of metal chocks, which are movably linked together by a screw driven mechanism for tightening and loosening the chocks about the tread area of adjacent tires. The chock assembly is capable of being reduced to a small package to facilitate storage and transportation when not in use.

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 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 bolt-together trailer frame that can have either a torsion axle or a sprung axle attached thereto without modification of the trailer frame side members. The side frame of the trailer includes at least one axle cut-out with an axle cut-out reinforcement plate attached about the cut-out. A torsion axle is welded to the axle cut-out reinforcement plates. A sprung axle is attached to the trailer frame with a plurality of spring hangers to which leaf springs are connected. The axle of the sprung axle is then attached to the spring hangers.

Abstract: A scissor jack assembly with double-lead Acme threaded screw. Through use of urethane or similar material as a braking means, the jack assembly is operable with a self locking action over a wider range of loads and especially at lower loads where an Acme loading phenomenon that results in said self locking action has previously been unattainable. Faster and smoother jack operation is made possible by employing a thrust bearing, including a plurality of roller or ball bearings, with the jack assembly. A spacing washer is also provided to retain the threaded shaft within the trunnions of the jack assembly, in order that the ends of each of the trunnions need not be machined or stamped to retain the trunnions within the jack assembly. Utilizing such a spacing washer decreases the costs involved with manufacturing the jack assembly, while increasing the ability to repair the jack assembly.

Abstract: A scissor jack assembly with double-lead Acme threaded screw. Through use of urethane or similar material as a braking means, the jack assembly is operable with a self locking action over a wider range of loads and especially at lower loads where an Acme loading phenomenon that results in said self locking action has previously been unattainable. Faster and smoother jack operation is made possible by employing a thrust bearing, including a plurality of roller or ball bearings, with the jack assembly. A spacing washer is also provided to retain the threaded shaft within the trunnions of the jack assembly, in order that the ends of each of the trunnions need not be machined or stamped to retain the trunnions within the jack assembly. Utilizing such a spacing washer decreases the costs involved with manufacturing the jack assembly, while increasing the ability to repair the jack assembly.