Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a retractable staircase for a recreational vehicle. The retractable staircase has a translational section, which includes at least one-step. The translational section moves between an extended and a retracted position relative to the recreational vehicle. In the extended position, a rotational section, which also includes at least one step, moves between a lowered position with the step below the step of the translational section and an upside down and inverted position above the step of the translational section to provide for movement of the translational section to the retracted position.

Abstract: A slidable storage tray adapted to be hydraulically actuated between a retracted position wherein the tray is nested inside a vehicle's storage compartment and an extended position wherein at least a portion of the tray is located outside of the vehicle's storage compartment. The slidable storage tray is dual directional so that it extends from either a first side or a second side of the vehicle. The hydraulic circuit comprises a first hydraulic cylinder and a second hydraulic cylinder. The rod of the first cylinder is attached to the vehicle/storage compartment frame and the rod of the second cylinder is attached to the slidable storage tray. The two hydraulic cylinders are attached together so their barrels cannot move relative to one another. The two hydraulic cylinders are facing the same direction so that their rods both extend in the same direction.

Abstract: A seal assembly primarily for recreational vehicles that have an expandable room. The seal assembly seals the opening in a fixed wall of the vehicle through which the expandable room extends. The seal assembly includes a retainer that is attached to a fixed wall of the vehicles, the retainer holding a bulb-type seal properly in place. The retainer securely holds the bulb seal in place until it is compressed by the expandable room, and the retainer further functions to prevent the bulb seal from being crushed which could cause premature failure of the seal. The seal assembly also provides for relative movement in different directions between the meeting surfaces of the fixed room and moveable room. In this way, it acts as a low friction bearing surface while still maintaining a complete and positive seal at all times.

Abstract: A Level Floor Room Extension for expandable and retractable rooms in vehicles employs a subfloor movable from a horizontal stored position beneath the vehicle floor, through an intermediate horizontal position, to an elevated horizontal position, to provide a continuously level floor extending from the interior vehicle floor, over the subfloor, to the slide out room floor.

Abstract: A Level Floor Room Extension for expandable and retractable rooms in vehicles employs a subfloor movable from a horizontal stored position beneath the vehicle floor, through an intermediate horizontal position, to an elevated horizontal position, to provide a continuously level floor extending from the interior vehicle floor, over the subfloor, to the slide out room floor.

Abstract: A locking mechanism that includes a multi-dimensional connecting locking pin which provides a structural link between two structural members that can be repeatedly separated and locked together. The connecting pin is comprised of a tapered shaft extending through a radially expandable split ring with the tapered shaft being moveable between housings located on each of the two separate structural members. As the tapered shaft moves through the radially expandable split ring, the ring is expanded outwardly to engage locking grooves in both housings to lock the structural members together. The tapered shaft is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder that forces the tapered shaft through a first stage in which the receiver housing is first aligned with the other housing, and after proper alignment is achieved, a second stage of the tapered shaft expands the split ring into a locking position.

Abstract: An extendable room comprises accordion type ceiling and wall panels which fold within panel covers when the room is retracted, thereby taking up much less interior space and leaving the interior of the primary structure just as attractive, albeit smaller, as prior to retraction. The wall and ceiling panels are hinged together with tongue and groove connections and are secured in the flat, extended configuration by steel cables running through the panels. The side walls also include windows which may be made clear and opaque electronically. The secondary floor is retractable below the floor of the primary structure when the room is retracted, permitting the room extension floor to become the primary floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending and retracting one structure with respect to another which utilizes a pivoting mechanism rather than the standard linear mechanisms known in the art. The mechanism further utilizes a torsion bar connected between the distal ends of the actuator for synchronizing the movement of the actuators to prevent binding and twisting. A first embodiment utilizes a flat chain and a pair of circular guides to maintain the torsion bar in a horizontal plane, while a second embodiment of the invention utilizes a four-bar linkage system.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending and retracting one structure with respect to another which utilizes a pivoting mechanism rather than the standard linear mechanisms known in the art. The mechanism further utilizes a torsion bar connected between the distal ends of the actuator for synchronizing the movement of the actuators to prevent binding and twisting. A first embodiment utilizes a flat chain and a pair of circular guides to maintain the torsion bar in a horizontal plane, while a second embodiment of the invention utilizes a four-bar linkage system.

Abstract: An automatic entryway step system for recreational vehicles and motor homes which extends and retracts a step in response to a momentary push button switch located inside the vehicle near the door. A safety retraction system automatically retracts the step when the vehicle ignition is turned on, but only if the vehicle parking brake is not engaged. If the vehicle ignition system is turned on while the parking brake is engaged, a step warning indicator will be activated to alert the driver that the step is extended. If the parking brake is released, the step will retract and the warning indicator will be turned off.

Abstract: An apparatus for synchronizing the extension and retraction of linear actuators. A quadrilateral structure is formed by means of the support base, a pair of actuators, and a crossmember, with a sensor positioned so as to detect variations in the shape of the quadrilateral. The sensor functions in cooperation with the actuator control mechanism to vary power to the actuators in response to the changes in shape which occur due to slight variations in actuator speed of movement.

Abstract: In combination for use in a vehicle having a front, a back and sides to level the vehicle relative to gravity. A plurality of devices each disposed at an individual position relative to the vehicle and in displaced relationship to the other devices for adjusting the vertical position of the vehicle relative to gravity in accordance with the operation of pairs of adjacent devices. A sensor disposed relative to the vehicle for sensing the tilting of the vehicle from a level disposition relative to gravity. An operating structure responsive to the sensor for operating pairs of adjacent devices in a particular order to obtain an adjustment in the vertical position of the vehicle from side to side and front to back to obtain a resultant leveling of the vehicle relative to gravity.

Abstract: A system for automatically levelling a vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, relative to gravity includes a plurality of extensible jacks, preferably hydraulic, disposed at strategic positions on the vehicle underside. Switches sense the downward tilting of the vehicle relative to gravity at the strategic positions and produce signals to operate the jacks in accordance with such tilting. Before the jacks are extended, air bags in the vehicle are deflated. When the hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic circuit exceeds a first value, the jacks are extended in a particular sequence depending upon the particular directions in which the vehicle is tilted relative to gravity. A delay is preferably provided between the operations of each jack and the next jack in the sequence to eliminate transients in the next jack operation. When the vehicle has been levelled, jacks not previously extended are extended until they engage the ground with a second pressure less than the first pressure.

Abstract: A portable log splitter having a frame supported adjacent to its rear and front ends by cranked axle structure and a stand interconnected with the axle for raising and lowering of the rear and front ends in unison and in a substantially level mode so as to enable the splitter device to more readily handle ground-supported logs. The splitter is rockable about a fore-and-aft axis through a range including an upright position and a generally horizontal position so as to achieve splitting in planes within that range. Raising and lowering of the frame increases the ability of the splitter to make horizontal splits at relatively low levels. The stand is disconnectible from the axle means for retraction clear of the ground to condition the frame for towing behind a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A system for automatically levelling a vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, relative to gravity includes a plurality of extensible jacks, preferably hydraulic, disposed at strategic positions on the bottom of the vehicle. A plurality of switches sense the downward tilting of the vehicle relative to gravity at the strategic positions and produce signals to operate the jacks in accordance with such tilting. The jacks are extended in a particular sequence depending upon the particular directions in which the vehicle is tilted relative to gravity. The jacks become extended only when the hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic circuit exceeds a particular value. Since the rear of the vehicle weighs considerably more than the front, the switches are constructed and are connected in a circuit to resolve any ambiguities in favor of initially operating the jacks at the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A log splitter having a base structure on which are mounted two lever arms pivoted together in tong or pincer fashion. The arms are interconnected by a two-way hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly which, when extended, moves the free ends of the arms apart to receive a log endwise between them. The end of one arm has a stop or anvil and the alined end of the other arm has a splitter blade directed toward the anvil so that, when the cylinder is retracted, the splitter blade splits the log. The arrangement features the mounting of the arms and cylinder and piston assembly as a unit for selective angular positioning about the lengthwise axis of the cylinder. Also, the unit is carried on the base structure by an elevator assembly for selective vertical positioning, preferably by a second cylinder and piston unit. Valve means are conveniently provided for controlling the cylinders.

Abstract: A vehicle leveling system utilizing a plurality of support assemblies mounted on the bottom of the vehicle for rotative movement between an upper storage position and a lower operating position. Each support assembly includes two hydraulically extendable plungers and a control mechanism which automatically operates the plungers in sequence, the first plunger extending to rotate the support assembly into a vertical operating position and the second plunger then extending into engagement with the ground. Retraction of the plungers and return of the support assembly to its upper storage position are accomplished by spring means. The system also includes structure which will respond automatically to excessive internal pressure to permit rotation of the support assembly without damage either to the assembly or vehicle should the vehicle be moved inadvertently while the second plunger is in engagement with the ground.

Abstract: Three pressure elements are employed in reducing the transverse area circumscribed by the outer periphery of a resilient ring type seal to permit its placement in a groove formed in a bore which is smaller in circumference than the outer periphery of the seal. One pressure element is applied to the outer periphery of the seal, and two to its inner periphery at points which are spaced equally on either side of a line which extends from the center of the seal through the outer pressure element. The two inner pressure elements are then rotated outwardly in opposite directions around the outer pressure element to fold a portion of the seal inwardly on itself around the outer pressure element, thereby reducing the transverse area circumscribed by the outer periphery of the seal. While so reduced, the seal is placed within the bore opposite the groove, and the outer pressure element then drawn axially out of engagement with the outer periphery of the seal to permit its expansion into the groove.