Abstract: A lowerable suspension for trailers and other vehicles allows a trailer to be lowered to a deployed position in order to allow easier access to the trailer. A suspension axle is attached to the vehicle frame. A lower swing arm and an upper stop arm are rotatably connected to the suspension axle. A rubber damper pad is connected between the lower swing arm and the upper stop arm to act as a shock absorber during transit. A wheel is rotatably connected to the lower swing arm opposite the suspension axle. The wheel is affixed into a raised or lowered position by inserting a suspension transition pin through the upper stop arm into either a transit pin hole or a deployed pin hole of a suspension transition plate that is affixed to the vehicle frame adjacent. A plurality of jacks assists with raising and lowering the vehicle frame.

Abstract: An exemplary retractable awning and method are provided for mounting to virtually any structure, such as a house trailer, recreational vehicle, house, patio, deck, and the like, to provide shade and protection from the elements. The retractable awing includes a roller tube assembly, a covering, and support arms. The roller tube assembly includes a roller tube and at least one retractable rib. The roller tube has a first end, a second end, and a rib storage groove operable to receive and store the retractable rib so that the retractable rib may couple with the roller tube and extend from a retracted position, at least partially within the rib storage groove, to an extended position. The retractable rib may have an upward arch or bend when in its extended position. The covering couples between the structure and the roller tube assembly and may be supported by the retractable rib when open. The covering provides shade and protection from the elements when open.

Abstract: An improved adjustable rib for use with an awning support apparatus which in turn is used with an awning having one end attached to a wall and a second end attached to an awning support tube held a predetermined distance from one end of the awning, measured along the awning, by a pair of side frames attached to the wall. The improved adjustable rib includes an elongated rigid bowed housing having two open ends. Elongated and rigid flat bars, having a curvature nearly identical to that of the housing, slide within the housing and are adjustable to vary the length of the rib. Lock screws, which are screwed into a hole in each of the flat bars, are used to fix the position of the flat bars within the housing. In a second embodiment, the rib includes a smaller diameter curved tube which telescopically fits into a larger curved diameter tube having the same curvature as the smaller tube.

Abstract: In an awning such as a house trailer or recreational vehicle awning, plural ribs are disposed against the underside of the awning. The ribs run transversely from the wall to the tube which supports the outboard end of the awning; this tube is horizontal, and parallel to the wall. The ribs are flexible, and slightly longer than the distance from the wall to the tube. When the ribs are put into place they acquire an upward bow, which crowns the surface of the awning. This encourages water runoff, decreases wind flapping, and improves appearance. Each rib has two parts for length adjustment. One part has an integral clamp to hold the other part in a fixed position; when the clamp is loosened the two parts can slide relatively. To hold the ribs in position various means may be used, including rib end pockets on the awning, straps, and fingers on one rib end mating with holes in the tube surface.