Patents Assigned to The Dometic Corporation
-
Publication number: 20080142167Abstract: An awning assembly includes an awning and support arms and rafters that are adapted to support the awning from a backing structure both when the awning is in an extended position and when it is in a retracted position. The support arms and rafters are mounted to the backing structure in a manner that allows for the positions of the support arms and rafters to be readily converted as the awning is extended and retracted. Additionally, the manner in which each rafter is joined to a respective support arm allows for the convenient rearrangement of the rafters and support arms to facilitate supporting of the awning in both the extended and retracted positions. A cooperative roller mechanism, on which the awning is wound and unwound, and locking device are provided to lock the awning in place. The awning assembly, in a particular embodiment, is applied to a pop-up trailer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: DOMETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Michael Hicks, Brandon Moore
-
Publication number: 20080119129Abstract: An air distribution apparatus for mounting with respect to an air conditioning port in a ceiling surface is provided. The air distribution apparatus includes at least one bracket and an air distribution device. The at least one bracket includes a body portion and a protrusion extending from the body portion. The protrusion includes an abutment surface configured to abut a ceiling surface while the body portion at least partially extends into an air conditioning port of a ceiling surface. The air distribution device is configured to be mounted to the bracket to distribute air from an air conditioning port in a ceiling surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2007Publication date: May 22, 2008Applicant: Dometic CorporationInventor: Dale Gene Malott
-
Publication number: 20080093030Abstract: The primary roller of an awning assembly has an internal cavity, an opening between the internal cavity and the exterior of the primary roller and a first arresting element. A first awning material is adapted to be unwound from the primary roller when the primary roller rotates in a first direction and wound onto the primary roller when the primary roller rotates in a second direction. A secondary roller is mounted for rotation within the internal cavity of the primary roller. One end of a second awning material attached to the secondary roller extends through the opening in the primary roller. A second arresting element is attached to the one end of the second awning material and is adapted to engage the first arresting element of the primary roller, whereby rotation of the secondary roller in the second direction causes the primary roller to rotate in the second direction together with the secondary roller.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: DOMETIC CORPORATIONInventor: Roberto Gutierrez
-
Publication number: 20080087384Abstract: A retractable awning is provided, comprising a support arm forming a longitudinally extending channel, a roller, and a canopy configured to be rolled and unrolled about the roller. A rafter arm is operatively attached to the support arm and is sized to be longitudinally nestable in the channel of the support arm. A self-engaging and self-releasing locking device includes an engagement device configured to selectively engage the support arm to selectively lock a position of a slide member within the longitudinally extending channel. In addition or alternatively, the retractable awning can include a pair of support mechanisms, each support mechanism comprising a support arm, a rafter arm, and a locking device. In addition or alternatively, the retractable awning can include a control link configured to selectively disengage the engagement device from the support arm to release the position of the slide member within the longitudinally extending channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2006Publication date: April 17, 2008Applicant: Dometic CorporationInventor: Roberto Gutierrez
-
Publication number: 20080029224Abstract: An adjustment device for an awning is provided comprising an engagement member and a resilient adjustment member having an outer diameter. The outer diameter of the adjustment member is adapted to be selectively adjustable. A retainer element is provided to maintain a desired outer diameter. In one example, the resilient adjustment member can be adapted to engage the engagement member. In addition or alternatively, the engagement member can have a plurality of angular splines that are keyed into corresponding internal grooves of the adjustment member. In addition or alternatively, the resilient adjustment member can be adapted to splinably engage the engagement member. In addition or alternatively, the resilient adjustment member can have a plurality of support members and a plurality of flexible connectors, wherein each support member is connected to an adjacent support member by a flexible connector to form an enclosed cross-section.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2006Publication date: February 7, 2008Applicant: Dometic CorporationInventor: Gheorghe Popa
-
Publication number: 20070298702Abstract: Air-conditioning systems for vehicles include at least one air-distribution duct and at least one air-return duct. The at least one air-distribution duct is in air flow communication with at least one air-conditioning unit and is adapted to extend along a substantial portion of the interior of the vehicle. The at least one air-distribution duct includes at least one opening through which air conditioned by the at least one air-conditioning unit can be discharged to the interior of the vehicle. The at least one air-return duct also has at least one opening though which air from the interior of the vehicle can pass and be discharged from the air-return duct at a discharge location. The at least one air-return duct is adapted to extend to one or more areas of the vehicle interior so that at least one opening in the air-return duct is substantially removed from the discharge location.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2006Publication date: December 27, 2007Applicant: DOMETIC CORPORATIONInventor: Bruce Boxum
-
Publication number: 20070240831Abstract: A powered awning assembly has an awning frame with a first side arm member having a first distal end and a first proximate end for attachment to a wall and a second side arm member having a second distal end and a second proximate end for attachment to a wall. A connecting member has a first end attached to the distal end of the first side arm and a second end attached to the distal end of the second side arm. A roll awning is attached to the awning frame. A wind sensor assembly is attached to one of the first side arm and the second side arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2005Publication date: October 18, 2007Applicant: DOMETIC CORPORATIONInventor: Tuong Tran
-
Patent number: 7281560Abstract: An awning assembly includes an awning and support arms and rafters that are adapted to support the awning from a backing structure both when the awning is in an extended position and when it is in a retracted position. The support arms and rafters are mounted to the backing structure in a manner that allows for the positions of the support arms and rafters to be readily converted as the awning is extended and retracted. Additionally, the manner in which each rafter is joined to a respective support arm allows for the convenient rearrangement of the rafters and support arms to facilitate supporting of the awning in both the extended and retracted positions. A cooperative roller mechanism, on which the awning is wound and unwound, and locking device are provided to lock the awning in place. The awning assembly, in a particular embodiment, is applied to a pop-up trailer.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Dometic CorporationInventors: Michael Hicks, Brandon Moore
-
Publication number: 20070199338Abstract: A variable speed control system is provided for use with a heat pump heating/cooling system having a variable speed compressor. The control system includes a remote transceiver, a second transceiver to communicate with the first transceiver, and an AC power module to communicate with the second transceiver. The AC power module further includes multiple current limiting devices and multiple temperature sensors and varies the output of the variable speed compressor by comparing the readings from the temperature sensors to a pre-determined temperature setting.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2006Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: Dometic CorporationInventors: Dave Evans, Robert Weber
-
Publication number: 20070193700Abstract: Awning assemblies include at least one arm assembly. In accordance with example aspects, the arm assembly can include a first segment, a second segment pivotally connected to the first segment and a biasing member extending between portions of the segments with the biasing member being substantially hidden within an area defined by the first and second segments in a closed orientation. In accordance with further example aspects, a biasing member can be provided to resist rotation of a link member with respect to a mounting bracket with an adjustment device configured to adjust the compression of the biasing member. In accordance with yet further examples, the awning assembly can include a support leg and a pivot assembly connecting the support leg to a lead rail. The pivot assembly can include a stop member to limit a pivoting movement of the pivot assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2006Publication date: August 23, 2007Applicant: Dometic CorporationInventors: Eduardo Ornelas, Gheorghe Popa
-
Publication number: 20060248907Abstract: An HVAC system for a motorized vehicle or vessel is provided that includes a variable-speed compressor, a variable-speed condenser fan and a variable-speed evaporator fan. The HVAC system further includes a DC-power system for supplying DC power to the variable-speed compressor, the variable-speed condenser fan and the variable-speed evaporator fan regardless if the mobile unit's engine is operating or not operating. A controller and an operator interface are also provided for controlling the operation of the HVAC system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2006Publication date: November 9, 2006Applicant: DOMETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Kendall Allen, Ralph Bailey
-
Patent number: 7121314Abstract: An awning assembly is provided with a lock mechanism for maintaining the awning assembly in a desired position relative to a wall, or other suitable structure. The awning assembly includes support arms, a fabric roller tube that holds the awning fabric and a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism can include a pivot bracket located between the roller tube and the support arm, a disk gear provided on the end of the roller tube axle, a weather shield provided around at least a portion of the roller tube, a pivot rod selectably engageable with both the pivot bracket and the weather shield, a disk gear catch mounted on the weather shield and adapted to be selectably engaged with the disk gear, and a torsion spring mounted on the weather shield and adapted to bias the disk gear catch into engagement with the disk gear.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Dometic CorporationInventors: Mike Hicks, Roberto Gutierrez, Brandon Moore, Thomas Hanson
-
Patent number: 7100625Abstract: A fastening assembly and method to releasably secure a panel of a novel screen room enclosure to a structure. The fastening assembly includes a clip having a channel portion fastened to a flat portion, the channel portion having an opening adapted to receive an edge of a panel, and, a locking fastener having an elongated locking member adjustable between a first position and a second position. The flat portion of the clip comprises a hole for accepting the locking fastener such that the locking member can pass through the hole when the locking member is in the first position, and cannot pass through the hole when the locking member is in the second position. A screen room enclosure to be used with an awning of a structure and releasably coupled to the structure with a fastening assembly. A method of securing a side panel of the screen room enclosure to the structure with the clip is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2003Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Dometic CorporationInventor: Fernando Valles
-
Patent number: 7077458Abstract: An awning assembly having two ends is adapted to be mounted on a first structure that is extendable from a second structure for rotation about a longitudinal axis of rotation extending between the two ends, the awning assembly having a generally horizontal orientation when in use. An intermediate support for the awning assembly is adapted to be attached to the first structure at a location between the two ends of the awning assembly. The intermediate support includes a curved supporting surface that supports the awning. Alternatively, the intermediate support can include two brackets that are adapted to be spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of rotation of the awning assembly and at least two support rollers mounted at their opposite ends to the brackets so as to provide a supporting surface. The curved supporting surface and supporting rollers can comprise concave supporting surfaces that are generally congruent with the outer surface of the awning assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Dometic CorporationInventors: Dale G. Malott, Michael Hicks
-
Publication number: 20060113813Abstract: A collapsible enclosure is appended to a vehicle, such as a cargo type trailer, for example, for the purpose of providing living space in association with the vehicle. The vehicle includes a ramp that offers ingress to and egress from the interior of the vehicle through an access opening in the body of the vehicle for loading and unloading the vehicle, and the collapsible enclosure is appended to the vehicle at the access door opening and the ramp. Access to the interior of the collapsible enclosure can be had from the interior of the vehicle through the access opening. The size of the collapsible enclosure is adjustable so that the enclosure may be used with vehicles having ramps and access openings of different sizes. The ramp, which can be supported in a position substantially parallel to the surface on which the vehicle rests, serves as the floor of the additional living space that is created within the collapsible enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2005Publication date: June 1, 2006Applicant: Dometic CorporationInventor: Michael Hicks
-
Publication number: 20060052050Abstract: An air distribution apparatus can include an air distribution housing with an outer wall and an interior area. If provided with a housing, the air distribution apparatus further includes a duct that can be pivotally connected to the housing and configured to pivot about an axis from a retracted position to an extended position. A portion of the duct can be received in the interior area of the housing in the retracted position and the portion of the duct can extend outside of the interior area in the extended position. In further examples, the air distribution apparatus can comprise an adapter configured to be attached with respect to an opening of an air distribution housing. A duct can be pivotally connected to the adapter and configured to pivot about an axis from a retracted position to an extended position with respect to the adapter.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2005Publication date: March 9, 2006Applicant: Dometic CorporationInventors: Dale Malott, Carl Beck
-
Publication number: 20060032592Abstract: An awning assembly includes an awning and support arms and rafters that are adapted to support the awning from a backing structure both when the awning is in an extended position and when it is in a retracted position. The support arms and rafters are mounted to the backing structure in a manner that allows for the positions of the support arms and rafters to be readily converted as the awning is extended and retracted. Additionally, the manner in which each rafter is joined to a respective support arm allows for the convenient rearrangement of the rafters and support arms to facilitate supporting of the awning in both the extended and retracted positions. A cooperative roller mechanism, on which the awning is wound and unwound, and locking device are provided to lock the awning in place. The awning assembly, in a particular embodiment, is applied to a pop-up trailer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2004Publication date: February 16, 2006Applicant: Dometic CorporationInventors: Michael Hicks, Brandon Moore
-
Patent number: 6978630Abstract: A refrigeration system and method of refrigeration employ dual refrigeration circuits. Each circuit has an independent compressor, condenser and evaporator. In one refrigeration circuit, the flow of the refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator is regulated in response to variations in the heat load at the evaporator while, in the other refrigeration circuit, the refrigerant is passed from the condenser to the evaporator at a substantially constant rate of flow. The refrigeration system can be used as a cooling system, including an air conditioning system, and as a heat pump. The evaporator in both circuits may be incorporated within a common heat exchanger as may the two condensers. Additionally, the flow of the refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator in one refrigeration circuit may be regulated in response to variations in the heat load in the evaporator in that refrigeration circuit by a thermal expansion valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2004Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Dometic CorporationInventors: Theodore C. Wensink, David T. Radle
-
Publication number: 20050224187Abstract: An awning assembly is provided with a lock mechanism for maintaining the awning assembly in a desired position relative to a wall, or other suitable structure. The awning assembly includes support arms, a fabric roller tube that holds the awning fabric and a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism can include a pivot bracket located between the roller tube and the support arm, a disk gear provided on the end of the roller tube axle, a weather shield provided around at least a portion of the roller tube, a pivot rod selectably engageable with both the pivot bracket and the weather shield, a disk gear catch mounted on the weather shield and adapted to be selectably engaged with the disk gear, and a torsion spring mounted on the weather shield and adapted to bias the disk gear catch into engagement with the disk gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2004Publication date: October 13, 2005Applicant: Dometic CorporationInventors: Mike Hicks, Roberto Gutierrez, Brandon Moore, Thomas Hanson
-
Publication number: 20050160709Abstract: An air filter for use in vehicle air conditioning/handling systems includes a pleated filter material having a MERV of more than 1 and preferably of at least 8. The pleated filter material has a wire mesh disposed on its back or downward air flow side, and is encased within a frame for easy installation into air handling equipment. The frame has a relatively slim profile of less than 0.22 inches, and has relatively narrow frame rails of less than 0.625 inches in width so as to beneficially reduce the air pressure drop across the air filter when installed in the vehicle's air conditioning/handling equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2004Publication date: July 28, 2005Applicant: DOMETIC CORPORATIONInventor: John Hollis