Abstract: A table or similar structure is provided having an expandable surface area arrangement where the usable or working surface area is retractable into and out of a housing along a curvilinear path that includes both horizontal and vertical components and wherein weight compensating structure is provided to offset the impact of vertical movement of the surface area. The usable surface is formed from an array of adjacent panels connected by a backing web which allows them to lie flush together when the surface area is retracted for use and to separate as needed to follow the curvilinear path when retracted into the housing for storage. The extent of movement into and out of the housing is variable according to the amount of surface area required in a given instance. When implemented into a dining table, for example, vertical support legs for one end of the table can be attached to the end panel of the surface area which is first withdrawn from the housing.

Abstract: A table or similar structure is provided having an expandable surface area arrangement where the usable or working surface area is retractable into and out of a housing along a curvilinear path that includes both horizontal and vertical components and wherein weight compensating structure is provided to offset the impact of vertical movement of the surface area. The usable surface is formed from an array of adjacent panels connected by a backing web which allows them to lie flush together when the surface area is retracted for use and to separate as needed to follow the curvilinear path when retracted into the housing for storage. The extent of movement into and out of the housing is variable according to the amount of surface area required in a given instance. When implemented into a dining table, for example, vertical support legs for one end of the table can be attached to the end panel of the surface area which is first withdrawn from the housing.

Abstract: An expandable room structure is provided having relatively movable room portions supported by telescopically sliding tubes, at least one of those tubes being movable also laterally to pivot as the room portion floors slide into the same horizontal plane when the room structure is moving into expanded positions. In retracted positions the room portion floors are vertically spaced to permit one room portion to nest within the other. A rack and pinion drive arrangement is provided to cause relative movement between the tubes. Selective lateral movement of one of the tubes is permitted by engagement with an adjustably inclined surface extending out of the other tube such that the laterally moving tube pivots about the pinion to a desired degree. A ramp surface is formed on the abutting edge of the floor of one room portion, and the abutting edge of the floor of the other room portion moves up and down that ramp portion when transitioning between expanded and retracted positions.

Abstract: An expandable room structure is provided having relatively movable room portions supported by telescopically sliding tubes, at least one of those tubes being movable also laterally to pivot as the room portion floors slide into the same horizontal plane when the room structure is moving into expanded positions. In retracted positions the room portion floors are vertically spaced to permit one room portion to nest within the other. A rack and pinion drive arrangement is provided to cause relative movement between the tubes. Lateral movement of one of the tubes is permitted by engagement with an inclined surface extending out of the other tube such that the laterally moving tube pivots about the pinion. A ramp surface is formed on the abutting edge of the floor of one room portion, and the abutting edge of the floor of the other room portion moves up and down that ramp portion when transitioning between expanded and retracted positions.

Abstract: A retractable stone guard for the front of a towed vehicle. The guard includes a sheet of durable shape-returning material which may be stretched across the front of the vehicle during road travel. A hinged cover conceals the sheet when in its retracted position.

Abstract: A combination stop and latch for a door. The latch is swingably carried within the door or structure side wall with the stop secured to the other of the door or side wall. The latch automatically swings into an extended position projecting from the door or side wall as the door is opened for engagement with the stop.

Abstract: This invention is a recreational vehicle awning which closes to provide a streamline configuration conforming to the exterior of the vehicle and which opens to provide an essentially flat rigid awning.