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 push-pull drive chain mechanism and scissors linkage assembly and lifter assembly all powered by hydraulic cylinders to affect the coordinated, linear movement of an expandable room in a recreational vehicle. The drive chain moves generally vertically along a first structural member, such as a vehicle frame member, and then horizontally as the hydraulic cylinders extend or retract to move the expandable room relative to the vehicle frame. The lifter assembly assists in raising and lowering the expandable room so that when the room is extended, the floor of the expandable room will be substantially flush with the floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A push-pull drive chain mechanism and scissors linkage assembly powered by a hydraulic cylinder to affect the coordinated, linear movement of an expandable room in a recreational vehicle. The drive chain moves generally vertically along a first structural member, such as a vehicle frame member, as the hydraulic cylinder extends or retracts to move the expandable room relative to the vehicle frame. The drive chain is pivotally connected at the proper place on the scissors-type linkage assembly, the links that form the scissors extending and crossing for pivotal attachment to a structural member of the vehicle body and a structural member of the expandable room. The drive chain is constructed and guided to provide the required force for opening and closing the scissors assembly.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism provides for the extension and retraction of rooms in recreational vehicles while maximizing the space inside the vehicle. Braced parallel linkage members are applied between a vehicle frame member and an expandable room member. A hydraulic cylinder or other force assist element may be used to drive a slotted glide arm which, in turn, causes the braced parallelogram linkage to shift, thus pulling or pushing the room frame member relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A variety of vehicles are known and used which have a room or a room portion that may be moved from a retracted position while the vehicle is moving over the road and then expanded when the vehicle is stationary in order to provide additional internal space. Internal space is highly desirable in recreational vehicles, and the prior art has not allowed for maximization of this space since devices for extending and retracting the rooms take up internal space or space under the floor of the vehicle. This device provides for the extension and retraction of rooms in recreational vehicles while maximizing the space inside the vehicle. Braced parallel linkage members are applied between a vehicle frame member and an expandable room member. A hydraulic cylinder or other force assist element may be used to drive a slotted glide arm which, in turn, causes the braced parallelogram linkage to shift, thus pulling or pushing the room frame member relative to the vehicle.

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.