Expansible Or Collapsible Vehicle Body Patents (Class 296/165)
  • Patent number: 11964606
    Abstract: A slide-out unit drive assembly for a vehicle body having an opening formed in an exterior wall and a reciprocal slide-out unit (e.g., room or compartment) disposed in the opening and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. Sliding movement of the slide-out unit is controlled by the drive assembly at least partially arranged within a jamb assembly. The drive assembly may include one or more drive cables extending connected to the slide-out and actuatable to pull the slide-out unit in a first or second direction. The drive assembly may include drive chain that actuates one or more of the drive cables, or the drive assembly may include a drive nut that actuates one or more of the drive cables. Sliding movement of the slide-out unit may be either motor driven or manually powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: NORCO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Bernard F. Garceau
  • Patent number: 11897564
    Abstract: A spatial integration module includes a chassis, a wall body, a top cover and supporting devices. Each supporting device comprises a lower fixed portion and an upper movable portion. The wall body is detachably connected to the chassis and/or the supporting devices. The fixed portions are mounted on the chassis. A fixed rotation structure is arranged at a position where each movable portion is connected to the corresponding fixed portion. Each movable portion is turned between a horizontal direction state and a vertical direction state by the rotation structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: GOODRV (QINGDAO) CAMPGROUND EQUIPMENT CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yanfeng Cui, Zuoer Cui, Lingzhi Shi
  • Patent number: 11865906
    Abstract: An integrated bed optimization system comprises a dynamic frame which is integrated into the front and sides of a pickup truck bed. The frame can be raised and lowered to expand the bed's usable volume and to optimize cargo storage options. The frame comprises T-Track beams which permit the user to customize the bed by allowing the user to secure one or more attachments to the frame. The attachments can include tiedown points, storage racks, tonneau covers, camper shells, and other modular accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Oliver Scammell
  • Patent number: 11801739
    Abstract: A vehicle system, includes an upper liftgate of a split liftgate assembly, a lower liftgate of the split liftgate assembly, and a privacy panel assembly that extends between the upper liftgate and the lower liftgate. Another vehicle system includes a hanger bracket assembly configured to engage at least one hinge assembly of a vehicle, a liftgate assembly pivotably connected to the vehicle, and a privacy panel that is coupled to the hanger bracket assembly and the liftgate. A shielding method includes securing a privacy panel assembly to an upper liftgate of a split liftgate assembly of a vehicle, and securing the privacy panel assembly to a lower liftgate of the split liftgate assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Adrian Aguirre, Micah Jones, Hussein H. Berry, Dustin Shedlarski
  • Patent number: 11787488
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, coordinate dynamic adjustments of a trailer based in part on a user profile associated with a user physically present at the trailer and an activity profile associated with an activity selected to be performed at the trailer. A dynamic adjustment may modify a tilt of a lower surface of the trailer. A dynamic adjustment may modify a dimension(s) of the trailer based in part on a detected object(s). Various dynamic adjustments may occur concurrently, individually and/or sequentially. The trailer may be a moveable trailer for temporary attachment with a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Yang and Cohen Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Adeel Yang, Michael Leong, Ahmad Yang
  • Patent number: 11739584
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo compartment system includes an electric outlet mounted within an accessible location within a vehicle cargo compartment and a sensor assembly mounted proximate the electric outlet within the cargo compartment for detecting a presence of an electrical power cord. The cargo compartment system integrates powered features such as an electric outlet, powered tailgate and the powered top that utilizes environmental information gathered by various sensors on the vehicle in combination with predefined actions to simplify use and automate operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Aaron Halonen, Kristopher Karl Brown
  • Patent number: 11701952
    Abstract: A retractable truck bed closure is disclosed herein. The retractable truck bed closure comprises a pair of frames that extend across a truck bed between sidewalls of the truck bed. The closure may be moved between a stored configuration and an extended configuration along the pair of frames to open, and close, a portion of the truck bed, respectively. The frames may be attachable to the truck, or may be integrated into portions of the truck, such as the sidewalls of the truck bed or the rear of the cab of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 11492836
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo compartment system includes an electric outlet mounted within an accessible location within a vehicle cargo compartment and a sensor assembly mounted proximate the electric outlet within the cargo compartment for detecting a presence of an electrical power cord. The cargo compartment system integrates powered features such as an electric outlet, powered tailgate and the powered top that utilizes environmental information gathered by various sensors on the vehicle in combination with predefined actions to simplify use and automate operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Aaron Halonen, Kristopher Karl Brown
  • Patent number: 11472273
    Abstract: A retractable truck bed closure is disclosed herein. The retractable truck bed closure comprises a pair of frames that extend across a truck bed between sidewalls of the truck bed. The closure may be moved between a stored configuration and an extended configuration along the pair of frames to open, and close, a portion of the truck bed, respectively. The frames may be attachable to the truck, or may be integrated into portions of the truck, such as the sidewalls of the truck bed or the rear of the cab of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 11370495
    Abstract: A canopy assembly includes a truck bed and a pair of retractable canopies. The truck bed includes a floor and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls. Each of the pair of sidewalls includes an exterior wall, an opposite interior wall, and an elongated cavity positioned between the exterior wall and the interior wall of each of the pair of sidewalls. The pair of retractable canopies are movable between a stored and use positions. In the stored position, each of the retractable canopies are positioned within the elongated cavity defined in each of the pair of sidewalls. In the use position, each of the pair of retractable canopies are positioned to extended at least partially outside of the elongated cavity of each of the pair of sidewalls and extend beyond the exterior wall of the sidewalls in a vehicle lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Ruben Ramirez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11173827
    Abstract: A slide-out room system includes a drive mechanism that may be fixed to a vehicle wall adjacent the slide-out room. A drive unit includes a drive screw that is rotatable with rotation of an output shaft. A drive block that engages the drive screw may be fixed to a side wall of the slide-out room. Rotation of the drive screw effects displacement of the drive block to extend and retract the room, depending on a rotation direction of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Revelino, Neil Mears
  • Patent number: 11124253
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, coordinate dynamic adjustments of a trailer based in part on a user profile associated with a user physically present at the trailer and an activity profile associated with an activity selected to be performed at the trailer. A dynamic adjustment may modify a tilt of a lower surface of the trailer. A dynamic adjustment may modify a dimension(s) of the trailer based in part on a detected object(s). Various dynamic adjustments may occur concurrently, individually and/or sequentially. The trailer may be a moveable trailer for temporary attachment with a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Yang and Cohen Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Adeel Yang, Michael Leong, Ahmad Yang
  • Patent number: 11124052
    Abstract: A cover for a truck bed that can be horizontally traversed between expanded and collapsed positions is shown. Since the cover is horizontally traversed, the person manipulating the cover need not lift the cover vertically in order to reconfigure the cover between the expanded and collapsed positions. Women and elderly people who are generally not as strong as men can manipulate the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 11110848
    Abstract: A housing and trailer system comprising a trailer and a housing. The housing includes a lower housing and an upper housing and may be positioned on friction-reducing members that reduce friction between the housing and trailer. The reduction of friction facilitates the housing to slide more efficiently on the trailer. A safety lever and linkage system operates to safely move roof support structures and raise/lower the upper housing. An adjustable cargo system is attached to a roof on the housing. The adjustable cargo system is adjustable to receive and/or secure different sizes of cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Jason Coulter
  • Patent number: 10857940
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a storage device, for monitoring a vehicle is disclosed. In one aspect, a vehicle monitoring system is disclosed that includes a processor and a storage device storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform operations. The operations may include obtaining data generated by a vehicle monitoring component, determining whether the parked vehicle is permitted to navigate away from a location where the vehicle is parked, and in response to determining that the parked vehicle is not permitted to navigate away from the location, providing alert data to a processing unit installed within the parked vehicle, wherein processing of the generated alert data by the processing unit triggers a notification that is configured to alert the vehicle operator that the parked vehicle is not permitted to navigate away from the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: ObjectVideo Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Donald Madden
  • Patent number: 10611219
    Abstract: A cargo-bed cover system and method as used to improve the covering of cargo beds of pickup trucks by providing an apparatus having the functionality of both a truck topper and a hard top tonneau cover. The cargo-bed cover system includes a rigid cover configured to cover the cargo bed of the pickup truck; coupled to the rigid cover, a mechanically-powered lifting assembly configured to vertically lift the rigid cover between a bed-covering position, located adjacent the cargo bed, and at least one raised position located above the cargo bed; a mounting assembly configured to removably mount the mechanically-powered lifting assembly to the cargo bed; and enclosing panels adapted to enclose an area formed between the rigid cover and the cargo bed when the rigid cover is in the at least one raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Inventor: Brent Wesley Trinier
  • Patent number: 10471877
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to recreational vehicles (RV's) and discloses an expandable folding recreational vehicle (RV) that includes a chassis and a carriage house mounted on the chassis. The carriage house includes: a living room configured for a resident to perform activities; a bedroom configured for the resident to rest or sleep; a kitchen configured for the resident to prepare food and cook; a bathroom configured for the resident to urinate, defecate, bathe, or wash up; an electrical system operatively connected with the living room, the bedroom, the kitchen, and the bathroom; and a first and a second drive assembly configured for contracting or expanding the living room and the bedroom. The kitchen and the bathroom are arranged adjacent to each other on the chassis, and the living room and the bedroom are contractible and disposed on both sides of the chassis, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Inventor: Yun Lin
  • Patent number: 10435089
    Abstract: A trailer configured to lower an overall center of gravity. Said trailer comprises a tank, a wheel assembly, a kingpin assembly, a height, a length. Said tank comprising a cavity contained within a lower body, an upper body, a transitioning body, a front end, and a rear end. Said tank comprising a lower center of gravity, an upper center of gravity and said overall center of gravity. Said lower body comprising said lower center of gravity, a lower body ground clearance, a lower body length and a lower body height. Said upper body comprising said upper center of gravity, an upper body ground clearance, said height, and an upper body length. Said tank comprising said length, a height equal to said height, and a ground clearance equal to said lower body ground clearance. Said transitioning body comprising a transitioning body length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Inventor: Blake Dill
  • Patent number: 10420685
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a mobile clinic including: an intermodal container defining at least a first opening and a second opening; a partition wall located within the intermodal container, the partition wall separating the intermodal container into an anteroom and a treatment room; and an access control device programmed to prevent passage from the anteroom into the treatment room until a user's donning of personal protective equipment is verified. Another aspect of the invention provides a collapsible structure including: a rigid base; a rigid roof; one or more collapsible walls extending between the floor and the base; and an erector system comprising four cross-bars. Another aspect of the invention provides a crate including: a bottom panel; a top panel; and a plurality of walls, wherein at least two of said plurality of wails including one or more conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Baylor College of Medicine
    Inventors: Sharmila Anandasabapathy, Sarah Michel, Caroline Popper
  • Patent number: 10343736
    Abstract: A pivotable wheel mount assembly may include a mounting bracket and a swing arm coupled to the mounting bracket. The swing arm may be movably coupled to the mounting bracket or the trailer and to a wheel and/or suspension so as to enable the wheel to be rotated from a downward or operational position to a horizontal or stowed position. The assembly may include an actuator support bracket coupled to the mounting bracket and an actuator that provides mechanical assistance moving the wheels between positions. One or more locking mechanisms may be provided to secure the assembly in either the operational position, the stowed position, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Inventor: Galen Yoder
  • Patent number: 10288153
    Abstract: A cable-operated mechanism for actuating a slide-out room includes a column, an endless chain loop disposed with the column, first and second drive blocks engaged with the chain loop, and first through fourth cables attached at first ends thereof to the drive blocks. The cables are attached at second ends thereof to inboard and outboard ends of a slide out room. Operation of the chain loop in a first direction tensions the cables attached to the inboard end of the room and slackens the cables attached to the outboard end. Operation of the chain loop in a second direction has the opposite effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Howie, Jeffrey K. Albrecht, Evan Whitney
  • Patent number: 10259374
    Abstract: A drive assembly utilized in combination with slide out includes a beam attached to a beam guide in an arcuate support rail that is attached to the slide out. The beam may have a first row of teeth and a second row of teeth thereon, where the first row of teeth and the second row of teeth extend parallel to each other on opposite sides of the beam. In addition, the teeth in the first row of teeth are offset relative to the teeth in the second row of teeth. The drive assembly further includes a drive gear having a first gear wheel that engages the first row of teeth and a second gear wheel that engages the second row of teeth, as well as an actuator coupled to the beam to selectively extend and retract the beam. The beam may deflect with respect to the arcuate support rail based on its location and the location of the beam guide to aid in leveling of the slide out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: NORCO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Bernard F. Garceau
  • Patent number: 10232806
    Abstract: The sliding toilet enclosure houses a portable camping toilet which remains within the enclosure and takes up no floor space until it is needed. Activation of a control on the exterior of the housing causes a linear actuator to push the portable camping toilet, carried by a traveling toilet carrier, out of the housing. The traveling toilet carrier is directed and limited by slides that couple to the housing and to the traveling toilet carrier. The portable camping toilet may be used and then the control may be activated to cause the linear actuator to pull the traveling toilet carrier and the portable camping toilet back into the housing. The housing may be used as a seating area when the portable camping toilet is stored inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventors: Zsuzsanna Feher, Bela Mihalic
  • Patent number: 10065553
    Abstract: A continuous snap in track system (200) is used with a residential vehicle (202) equipped with a slide-out room (204) protruding through at least one side wall of the residential vehicle (202). The slide-out room (204) includes an outer room wall (206). As the slide-out room (204) is extended, a gap (208) is formed between the room wall (206) and the residential vehicle sidewall (207). The system (200) includes a vertical seal assembly (210) and a horizontal seal assembly (212). The horizontal seal assembly (212) runs along the top wall or ceiling. The vertical seal assembly (210) and horizontal seal assembly (212) are coupled together through the use of a corner seal assembly (214). The system (200) includes a pair of jacket assemblies (220) coupled together through the use of a flexible hinge assembly (226). Each assembly (220) includes a leg (230) having a main body (232) and a straight edge (234).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Titan Distribution, LLC
    Inventor: Tobin Michael Goode
  • Patent number: 10026581
    Abstract: A vehicle system including a housing, an extendable/retractable member coupled to the housing, an electrically controlled actuator and an override system. The electrically controlled actuator is connected to the extendable/retractable member, and is configured to extend and retract the extendable/retractable member relative to the housing. The override system includes a selector switch and an activation switch. The selector switch allows a selection of one of the plurality of electrically controlled actuators which is defined as a selected actuator. The activation switch activates the selected actuator to either extend or retract the extendable/retractable member associated with the selected actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: ASA Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Vince Smith, Gerald J. Maffetone
  • Patent number: 9951874
    Abstract: A resilient seal for mobile living quarters around a slide out room that includes a pair of mounting portions extending along the inside and outside surfaces of the main living area wall at an aperture through which the slide out room moves and further includes a connecting member extending between the attaching members and along the edge of the wall defining the aperture. A wiper seal extends from the connecting member to flex against the walls of the slide out room, and a cavity is formed between the seal and the aperture to allow room to route wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Lifetime Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin E Kseizopolski
  • Patent number: 9951540
    Abstract: Systems and methods herein provide a transportable shelter that is retractable while not in use (e.g., traveling, storage, and the like), is fully supported by a vehicle while being hauled without the use of tow wheels, and can be supported and transported by any automobile regardless of its make and/or model. Further, the transportable shelter is expandable while in use (e.g., housing a person therein) and provides shelter from external environmental elements (e.g., rain, wind, temperatures, sun, strangers, bugs, animals, pests, and the like).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Richard W Boettiger
  • Patent number: 9855880
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle having a fixed room and a slide-out room which extends and retracts relative to the fixed room. The slide-out room having a floor with multiple levels which wraps around the wheel well of the vehicle. The slide-out room is able to locate over the vehicle wheel wells with the slide-out floor lower than the top of the wheel well allowing for a much lower vehicle profile. The fixed room includes a floor section, a floor flap section which will drop down at the edge to flush with the slide-out floor at the edge forming a contiguous floor throughout the vehicle when the slide-out is fully extended, sidewall sections, a step-down entrance door well section, and a roof section. The slide-out room includes a floor section which has more than one level of flooring to cover the wheel wells and the step-down entrance door well section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Tuan Anh Pham
  • Patent number: 9796321
    Abstract: A seal assembly is mounted to a floor portion of an RV with a slide out room. The slide out room has a wall and a floor that is separated from the floor of the RV. The seal assembly has a wear bar with a ramped surface extending up from a flange at an obtuse angle, terminating in a flat top surface which then terminates in a wall that extends downwardly to another flange. The seal has a flexible wiper that seals to the slide out room floor. The seal assembly includes a splash shield with a resilient end that seals to the wall of the slide out room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: LTI Flexible Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin E. Ksiezopolski, Kevin J. Ksiezopolski
  • Patent number: 9725026
    Abstract: A resilient seal for living quarters that is for used sealing around a slide out room that has an aperture slidably receiving a slide out room. The resilient seal has a pair of attaching members extending along the inside and outside surfaces of the main living area wall at the aperture and includes a connecting member that extends between the attaching members and along the edge of the wall defining the aperture. A wiper seal extends from the connecting member for sealing against a wall of a slide out room. A bulb seal is integrally joined to at least one mounting portion that is bendable away from a groove on the mounting portion. The groove may be used for a separate bulb seal connectable thereto in the case the integral bulb seal is cut away. This facilitates replacement of the integral bulb seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: LTI Flexible Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin E Ksiezopolski
  • Patent number: 9623786
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a recreational vehicle includes a floor having a floor covering, a side wall having an opening therein and a slide out room moveable through the opening in the side wall. The slide out room has a structural member and a floor having a floor covering. First and second moldings provide a transition between the floor of the recreational vehicle and the floor of the slide out room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: HIGHLAND RIDGE RV, INC.
    Inventor: Randall L. Graber
  • Patent number: 9296281
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hardtop bus having at least six seats. The bus includes a chassis and a body with a U-shaped roof construction, which covers at least some of the seats of the bus. The roof construction can be retractable over at least some of the at least six seats such that the U-shaped roof construction has an open and closed position. The U-shaped roof construction comprises at least two substantially shape retaining, nestable roof elements having a U-shaped cross-section, which are movable relative to each other and which are positioned at least substantially one behind another, at least in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Augustinus Maria Verachtert
    Inventors: Augustinus Maria Verachtert, Helder Jorge Da Silva Ricardo, Luis Antonio Da Silva Ricardo
  • Patent number: 9221378
    Abstract: A slide-out system having a first and second slide-out assembly which are fixed to a first and second side of a slide-out room respectfully. Each assembly preferably includes an upper and lower gear rack fixed to the respective side of the slide-out room. An electric motor is connected to a drive gear that engages the top gear rack, driving movement of the slide-out room. This movement is distributed or synchronized with a lower portion of the room by an axle having a top gear engaged with the top gear rack and a bottom gear engaged with the bottom gear rack. Since the axle is not directly connected to the motor, it acts solely as a secondary synchronization mechanism between the top and bottom of the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: AL-KO Kober A.G.
    Inventors: Larry Revelino, Emmanuel Camus
  • Patent number: 9193292
    Abstract: A camper assembly (20) comprising: a first section (22); a second section (24) connected to the first section (22), the first and second sections (22, 24) being generally horizontally movable relative to each other between a compacted configuration of the camper assembly (20) at which the second section (24) is adjacent the first section (22) and an expanded configuration of the camper assembly (20) at which the second section (24) is spaced from the first section (20); and a wall assembly (88, 120, 130) extending between the first and second sections (22, 24) in the expanded configuration of the camper assembly (20); wherein the first section (22) includes an attachment assembly (86) which solely supports the camper assembly (20) on a tow hitch receiver (210) of a tow vehicle (200) in the compacted configuration of the camper assembly (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventor: Victor Anthony Peck
  • Patent number: 9150182
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members configured to contact a ground surface, and a powertrain assembly operably coupled to the ground-engaging members. The utility vehicle also includes a frame supported by the ground-engaging members and extending along a longitudinal axis of the utility vehicle. The utility vehicle further includes a rear seating area defined by longitudinally extending side by side seats arranged on both sides of the vehicle. A rear cab frame is positioned over the rear seating area and has an upright and folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Adam J. Schlangen, Bradley R. Morisch, Travis J. Ellefson, Richard R. Maki, Carlos A. Villafan Rojas, Jason K. Raska
  • Patent number: 8985662
    Abstract: A cover affixed to an expansion room of a recreational vehicle (RV) to cover and seal a gap in between the expansion room and a wall of the RV. The cover has a transverse wall to attach to the expansion room. The cover may have one or two bulb seals, and/or a flat seal affixed to the cover and/or the transverse wall to improve the seal against the wall of the RV. An end abutting the wall of the RV may be curved towards the RV to further cover the gap. A secondary cover may be used to cover any exposed fasteners. A plurality of covers may be provided so that when the expansion room is against the wall of the RV, the plurality of covers form an attractive covering frame between the RV and the walls of the expansion room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Trimlok, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Siegel
  • Publication number: 20150061317
    Abstract: A convertible utility/camper unit for use in a trailer, truck bed, or other similarly shaped vehicle. The convertible unit is separate from the trailer or truck thereby allowing the convertible unit to be used in virtually any utility trailer or truck. The convertible unit comprises a frame and supports which can be placed in multiple positions to allow the unit to serve as a utility trailer or a camper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: William A. Badger, Robert J.T. Badger, John T. Badger
  • Publication number: 20140367991
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a collapsible rigid shelter for mounting on a truck bed. The shelter includes a floor with a pair of floor extensions, a roof shell, a collapsible roof support and a plurality of rigid wall panels. In the transport configuration, the rigid wall panels overlap the floor. The shelter may be transformed to the deployed configuration by using to collapsible roof support to elevate the roof shell, sliding the floor extensions laterally away from each other, and moving the wall panels to extend between from either the floor or one of the floor extensions to the roof shell, and thereby collectively form an enclosure when the shelter is in the deployed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Fabian LORANGER
  • Patent number: 8875443
    Abstract: A seal assembly located at the intersection of an extension room and wall of a recreation vehicle, the seal assembly having a flap seal, a bulb snap-in member attached to the flap seal, and a bulb seal member attachable to the bulb snap-in member in a snap-fit manner The flap seal may be made removable from the bulb snap-in member. Two flap seals may be used to attach to either side of the recreation vehicle wall. The two flap seals may be connectable with each other and adjustable via a longitudinal mating shaft on one flap seal and a longitudinal mating shaft receiving member on the second flap seal. The seal assembly may be manufactured by a multi-extrusion process so that various components can be made of different materials, such as different types of plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Trimlok, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Siegel
  • Publication number: 20130257080
    Abstract: A slide-room for installation in a recreational vehicle or other structure is disclosed. The slide-room comprises a shell, which can be constructed from fiberglass. The shell comprises an end wall, a ceiling, a floor, two opposing side walls, and a flange extending from the end wall, wherein the end wall, the ceiling, the floor, the side walls and the flange comprise a one-piece, unitary construction. Also disclosed are methods for molding composite components, such as slide-room. In one specific implementation, the shell for a slide-room is formed from fiberglass using a vacuum assisted resin transfer process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Composite Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Chase, Dennis Dame
  • Patent number: 8540272
    Abstract: A vehicle chassis includes a vehicle chassis frame. The frame has a first frame portion and a second frame portion operatively connected to the first frame portion. The second frame portion is selectively movable with respect to the first frame portion such that the length of the chassis is selectively variable. The chassis may thus be lengthened to support the addition of an extension unit when additional passenger space or cargo space is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Vitale, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Roland J. Menassa
  • Patent number: 8491034
    Abstract: A recreation vehicle has forward and rearward ends, sides, and a roof. At least one of the laterally spaced sides is a functional side with a rectangular vertical side aperture. A slide-out room has forward and rearward ends, a floor, a ceiling, sides, and a roof. Supports are extendable through the side aperture and reciprocably couple the slide-out room and the recreational vehicle. A roof aperture of a size to permit movement of a user there through is formed in the roof of the slide-out room. A hatch covers the roof aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy L. Ciarfello
  • Patent number: 8465075
    Abstract: An armored vehicle has a bottom section which is located on the bottom of the vehicle, at least one armored side section which is located on the side of the vehicle and an armored roof plane which is located on a roof section of the vehicle. In the region of the roof section there is at least one observation position which can be moved in translation by at least one mechanism attached to a carrier, and the observation position is made in one piece and the observation position is made of a transparent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Klaus Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20130093208
    Abstract: A camper assembly (20) comprising: a first section (22); a second section (24) connected to the first section (22), the first and second sections (22, 24) being generally horizontally movable relative to each other between a compacted configuration of the camper assembly (20) at which the second section (24) is adjacent the first section (22) and an expanded configuration of the camper assembly (20) at which the second section (24) is spaced from the first section (20); and a wall assembly (88, 120, 130) extending between the first and second sections (22, 24) in the expanded configuration of the camper assembly (20); wherein the first section (22) includes an attachment assembly (86) which solely supports the camper assembly (20) on a tow hitch receiver (210) of a tow vehicle (200) in the compacted configuration of the camper assembly (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Victor Anthony Peck
  • Publication number: 20130062906
    Abstract: A flexible plumbing assembly for a vehicle having a main cabin portion with an extensible cabin portion that is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position includes a flexible hose having a fixed end connected to the fixed cabin portion and a moveable end connected to the movable cabin portion. The flexible plumbing assembly also includes a sliding structure for facilitating movement of the movable end with respect to the fixed end as the extensible cabin portion moves between the extended and retracted positions. The flexible hose and the sliding structure are disposed in a floor of the extensible cabin portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Eric John Parkes, Dale l. Allen, JR.
  • Patent number: 8366168
    Abstract: A sealing system useful for sealing a slide out room in a recreational vehicle (RVs). The sealing system includes a first bulb seal that is adapted for being affixed to a transverse surface that defines an opening in a sidewall of the RV. A second bulb seal is affixed to a peripheral flange that extends from an end wall of the slide out room. Both of the bulb seals have an hourglass shape. The peripheral flange fits within the opening when the slide out room is in its retraced position and the bulb seals meet in a complementary fashion to form a seal. A wedge seal is included spaced inwardly on the sidewalls of the slide out room and is designed to contact the bulb seal attached to the opening when the room is extended. An internal flange is not required for sealing when the slide out room is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Lifetime Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin E. Ksiezopolski, Norman L. Newhouse
  • Patent number: 8182020
    Abstract: An transformable, aerodynamic cover assembly for pickup trucks which is user switchable between a closed aerodynamic configuration and a fully deployed truck cap configuration. The aerodynamic configuration reduces vehicle wind resistance and drag, thus increasing fuel efficiency. The cover assembly, constructed of rigid materials, comprises a fiberglass aerodynamic cover supporting flexible fabric widows supported by sleeve tubes, and a flexible rear hatch supported by a hanger. Internal stanchions can be deployed to elevate and support the aerodynamic cover in the elevated position. The aerodynamic cover assembly side walls and hatch provide a space for human habitation and increased cargo hauling capacity. The aerodynamic cover is detachable from the body of the assembly for hauling oversized cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Brett Stuart Herndon
  • Patent number: 8141927
    Abstract: A control system for a slide-out room of a recreational vehicle includes a number of room slides which move the slide-out room between retracted and extended positions. If multiple room slides are used, a controller synchronizes the movement of the room slides to prevent damage to the components of the system. The retracted and extended positions of the slide-out room can be reset by the end user. The controller is also capable of detecting faults and communicating faults to the user via LEDs on a control panel. The controller automatically stops the motion of the slide-out room if a fault is detected. The control system includes a lock which is automatically disengaged before motion of the slide-out room. The lock is also automatically engaged when the slide-out room moves to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Craig J. Kreil
  • Patent number: 8091940
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving an expandable room of a vehicle between a raised position and a lowered position is disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one lift station attachable to the vehicle, an arm combined with the lift station, a rotatable member rotatably combining the at least one lift station and the arm, wherein the lift station rotates the arm between the raised position and the lowered position, and a support member fixed to the arm and engaging the expandable room, wherein the support member supports the expandable room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: HWH Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent Buls, Paul Edmund Hanser
  • Patent number: 8082698
    Abstract: A light weight modular enclosure that may be easily assembled by a user and mounted on a utility trailer or pickup truck includes a plurality of modular foam-encapsulated side panel assemblies and two foam-encapsulated corner panel assemblies arranged in adjacent positions in U-shaped anchor channels secured along three edges of a rectangular floorboard to form a front wall and two side walls of the modular enclosure. The side panel and corner panel assemblies each include a plurality of molded key pins and key sockets that are positioned for mating engagement to secure the panel assemblies in strict alignment when adjacently positioned in the anchor channels. A door frame assembly fits into the open rear end of the modular enclosure. A pop-up canopy assembly is installed over the top of the modular enclosure to provide additional head room during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence V. Drake