Expansible Or Collapsible Vehicle Body Patents (Class 296/165)
  • Patent number: 6439647
    Abstract: The folding camper is comprised of an outer shell hinged to a side wall of the cargo bed of a vehicle, an inner shell hinged to an opposite side wall, a front panel hinged to a front wall, and a rear panel hinged to a rear wall. When collapsed, the outer shell spans the entire cargo bed, and generally follows the contour of the vehicle's cab to maximize volume without protruding beyond the top and sides of the cab for reduced drag. The inner shell is closely nestled under the outer shell and generally follows the internal contour of the outer shell, except for its distal side which is more slanted than the hinged side. To erect, the shells are tilted upward until their opposite sides meet, and the front and rear panels are tilted upward until they meet the lower edges of the shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: James T. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 6435594
    Abstract: A transformer cargo cover for a vehicle having an open cargo bed area includes a first and second lower panel each having an outside surface and a first and second upper panel each carried by and overlapping a predetermined portion of the outside surface of a corresponding lower panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert George Ekonen, Bruce Wohlfield
  • Publication number: 20020089212
    Abstract: A slidable room assembly comprises a vehicle body having an opening formed in an exterior wall, and a reciprocable slideout unit or compartment disposed in the opening and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. Sliding movement of the slideout unit is controlled by means of a drive mechanism that includes a pair of cables. A plurality of sheaves, rotatably mounted on the vehicle body about the opening, define a path for the cable or cables. The drive cables have a double Y-shape whereby each cable has four ends with an end being connected to each corner of the slideout unit. Sliding movement of the slideout unit 24 may be either motor driven or manually powered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: Norco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard F. Garceau, James Young
  • Patent number: 6402216
    Abstract: Transportable living quarters includes a main frame supporting a main living area and a slide-out room that slides between an extended and retracted position relative to the main living area. The actuation mechanism for extending and retracting the slide-out room includes a curved slider arm that causes the slide-out room to tilt slightly when moving into the fully extended or retracted positions. Upon extension, the slide-out room tilts outwardly to compress an inner compressible seal between sealing surfaces on the main living area and the slide-out room inner flange. Upon retraction, the slide-out room tilts in the opposite direction to compress an outer compressible seal between sealing surfaces on the outside of the main living area and the outer flange of the slide-out room. This tilting of the room results in a tighter seal at the top of the slide-out room that better isolates the living area from the outside elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: VT Holdings II, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. McManus, James E. Dewald, Jr., Martin P. McManus
  • Publication number: 20020063441
    Abstract: 32 A slidable room assembly comprises a vehicle body having an opening formed in an exterior wall, and a reciprocable slideout unit or compartment disposed in the opening and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. Sliding movement of the slideout unit is controlled by means of a drive mechanism which includes either one or two endless cables. A plurality of sheaves, rotatably mounted on the slideout unit, define a path for the endless cable or cables. This path includes a pair of parallel longitudinally extending courses disposed on opposite sides of the slideout unit. Anchors, attached to respective longitudinally extending courses of the cable(s) and to adjacent portions of the vehicle body, effect relative reciprocation between the slideout unit and the vehicle body. Sliding movement of the slideout unit may be either motor driven or manually powered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: Norco Industries
    Inventor: James Young
  • Patent number: 6394533
    Abstract: A fifth wheel trailer for hitching to a truck by a fifth wheel hitch in a towing bed of the truck wherein a front section of the trailer extends over a cab of the truck when the trailer is coupled to and supported by the fifth wheel hitch. The front section of the trailer comprises a first section extending over the towing bed of the truck and a second section extending over the cab of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Glendale Recreational Vehicles, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Ladell, Terry Mullan, Peter Bruijns
  • Patent number: 6394532
    Abstract: A pivoting device for pick-up truck camper shells including a pair of support posts selectively coupled with respect to the forward and rearward ends of one of the opposed sides of the camper shell. The support posts each have a short lower section and a long upper section. The short lower sections have lower ends dimensioned for being received within the forward and rearward post holes of the truck bed. The long upper sections, extend upwardly at an inward angle from the short lower sections. The long upper sections each have an upper end securable to the camper shell for elevating the side of the camper shell above the truck bed. A pivot rod assembly is secured to each of the opposed side walls of the truck bed for selectively holding the camper shell to the side walls of the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Ralph Dence
  • Patent number: 6394531
    Abstract: A camper attachment comprising a top and a shell. The shell can function as a traditional camper by itself. With the top rotated open, a sleeping area between the top and the shell can be created by rotating the top upward along a common axis with the shell. Folding sections allow the sleeping area to be expanded to accommodate adults, even on short wheelbase vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventors: Johnny J. E. Thompson, J. Steve Kimbrel
  • Patent number: 6345854
    Abstract: A slide out room is extended from a mobile living quarters to provide auxiliary space and is retracted into the mobile living quarters by a pair of independent actuators. A control is provided which responds to signals generated by position sensors for each actuator to interpret a corresponding actuator whenever the position of one of the actuators exceeds the position of the other actuator by more than a predetermined offset. The actuators are stopped whenever they attain a corresponding IN or an OUT stop limit. The stop limits are set by independently advancing the actuators after they have attained a default limit to set the out and in stop limits independently between the actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: VT Holdings II, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick W. McManus
  • Patent number: 6345855
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: HWH Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Hanser, Stacy M. Hanser
  • Publication number: 20010048232
    Abstract: A camper attachment comprising a top and a shell. The shell can function as a traditional camper by itself. With the top rotated open, a sleeping area between the top and the shell can be created by rotating the top upward along a common axis with the shell. Folding sections allow the sleeping area to be expanded to accommodate adults, even on short wheelbase vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: JOHNNY J. E. THOMPSON, J. STEVE KIMBREL
  • Patent number: 6325437
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention for selectively actuable relative movement in a first direction between a first vehicle compartment mountable or mounted to a second vehicle compartment includes a first actuator mounted to the first vehicle compartment for actuation in a second direction of a follower mounted on a distal end of the actuator. An elongate channel is mounted to the second vehicle compartment in a first plane substantially parallel to a plane containing both the first direction and the second direction. The second direction is angularly offset in the first plane from the first direction. The channel is generally diagonally offset in the first plane from the second direction. The follower is mountable or mounted in the channel for sliding engagement therealong upon actuation of the first actuator. Actuation of the first actuator causes the relative translation between the first and second vehicle compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventors: Grant W. Hiebert, Gerald W. Clancy, Ewan Smith
  • Patent number: 6325447
    Abstract: An electric lift camper top is provided for covering a rectangular head clearance opening (31) in a vehicle top structure for camper modification. The camper top consists of a bottom frame (32), including compression springs (38), attached to the vehicle surrounding the opening with a top frame (42) which is in turn attached to the compression springs urging the frames apart. A roof (54) is attached onto the top frame covering the opening in the vehicle. A flexible wall (58) is attached to both the top and bottom frame, securing them together forming a sealed enclosed area, when extended, to allow head room within the vehicle interior. Raising and lowering linkage means, employing front and rear connecting arms (78) and (80) are also jointly attached to the top and bottom frame. Electric drive means, in the form of an electric motor (82) and worm gear (84), are attached to the linkage such that the connecting arms are angularly separated raising or lowering the roof electrically using vehicle electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Ming C. Kuo
  • Patent number: 6305739
    Abstract: A pull-out device including a stationary rail having at least one support roller in its front end region, a pull-out rail supported on the stationary rail and displaceable over the at least one support roller upon being pulled out, and having at least one running roller provided in a rear end region of the pull-out rail and displaceable, upon pulling out of the all-out rail, along an overhanging flange of the stationary rail that defines a running surface, with the length of the pull-out rail being greater than a length of the stationary rail and extending, in the drawn-in position, beyond the rear end of the stationary rail, with the at least one running roller lying outside of the running surface, and with the pull-out device including a support element provided in a rear region of the stationary rail for supporting the pull-out rail in its drawn-in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Fulterer Gesellschaft m.b.H
    Inventor: Stefan Corona
  • Patent number: 6293611
    Abstract: The outer side of a slide-out floor (20) is supported by the outer end of an inner rail member (40). The inner rail member (40), or at least a support wall thereof, is telescopically angled within an outer rail member (32) such that the angle increases as the inner rail member (40) is extended, so as to position the outer end of the slide-out floor (20) at an elevation that is substantially flush with the fixed floor (74) when the slide-out floor (20) is fully extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. Schneider, Jeffrey N. Ashbeck
  • Patent number: 6293612
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle having an expandable room wherein the room can be positioned in a retracted or deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the room expands inwardly into the main housing of the vehicle so as to enlarge the area of the room without displacing the fixtures and plumbing that are typically positioned adjacent an outer wall of the room. The room can be extended in conjunction with an exterior slide-out assembly wherein the deployed slide-out assembly creates a larger inner living space so as to accommodate the expanded room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Patent number: 6286883
    Abstract: A vehicle having a slide-out room section includes an operating mechanism for moving the slide-out room section laterally relative to the stationary room section for expanding the interior volume of the vehicle. The slide-out room section has an outer end which is mounted via a vertically movable connection arrangement to the operating mechanism, and a cooperative support arrangement is provided for the inner end of the slide-out room section to enable the slide-out room section to be vertically dropped when fully extended to place the slide-out room section floor flush with the floor of the stationary room section. The vertically movable connection arrangement includes a support member interconnected with the extension member and movable therewith, and a mounting member secured to the movable room section and engaged with the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Applied Power Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Schneider, Richard B. Lahti
  • Patent number: 6283536
    Abstract: A pickup truck folding camper system for folding into a compact position during nonuse and for expanding into a spacious camper while positioned upon a pickup. The inventive device includes a frame formed to fit within the bed of a pickup, a plurality of corner jacks removably attached to the frame, a plurality of telescoping support poles extending upwardly from the frame supporting a roof, a pair of support wings pivotally attached to opposing sides of the frame, middle enclosures for enclosing a middle portion between the roof and the frame, and a pair of end enclosures for enclosing the opposing side portions of the support wings. A lower opening within the frame enclose by a full door provides access to the interior of the frame when the roof is extended upwardly. A partial door is utilized to enclose the lower opening when the roof is contracted upon the frame in the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Engineers on Wheels Inc.
    Inventors: Yaroslow I. Muzyka, Maria D. Muzyka
  • Patent number: 6266931
    Abstract: A low-cost, compact room slideout assembly is provided for driving a sliding element, such as a floor, and comprises at least one motor having a motor output pinion rotatable about a first axis, a drive screw operatively connected to the motor output and rotatable about the first axis, and a driving member, such an elongate ram adapted to be attached to the sliding element. The ram travels along the first axis between extended and retracted positions in response to rotation of the motor output shaft. Preferably operatively connected between the motor output shaft and the drive screw is a speed reducing gearbox with an output shaft rotatable about the first axis, and a 90 degree gearbox operatively connected to the drive screw and rotatable about the first axis. The 90 degree gearbox preferably also has a second output member which is rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The 90 degree gearbox can comprise a series of bevel gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Atwood Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Scott Erickson, Damon Dirk Shaw, Bryce Joel Bulthaus
  • Patent number: 6254171
    Abstract: A slidable room assembly comprises a vehicle body having an opening formed in an exterior wall, and a reciprocable slideout unit or compartment disposed in the opening and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. Sliding movement of the slideout unit is controlled by means of a drive mechanism which includes either one or two endless cables. A plurality of sheaves, rotatably mounted on the slideout unit, define a path for the endless cable or cables. This path includes a pair of parallel longitudinally extending courses disposed on opposite sides of the slideout unit. Anchors, attached to respective longitudinally extending courses of the cable(s) and to adjacent portions of the vehicle body, effect relative reciprocation between the slideout unit and the vehicle body. Sliding movement of the slideout unit may be either motor driven or manually powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Norco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James Young, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6237988
    Abstract: A system of adjustable rooftop cowlings, folding safety handrails, hatchways, stairways, and furnishings affixed to the top of motorhomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Frank Messano
  • Patent number: 6234566
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a synchronized rack and pinion system for extendable rooms for recreational vehicles. In particular, the invention provides a drive system for use in extending and retracting an extendable room on a vehicle frame. The drive system includes at least one pair of parallel rack and pinion systems operatively connected between the vehicle frame and the extendable room, with each pair of parallel rack and pinion systems synchronized through respective drive shafts. The system is operable between a closed position where the extendable room is retracted with respect to the vehicle frame and an open position where the extendable room is extended with respect to the vehicle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Prevost Car, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Cyr, Normand Lessard
  • Patent number: 6227607
    Abstract: Mobile living quarter incorporates a slide out room which is moveable between an extended position providing auxiliary living quarters when the unit is parked and a retracted position retracted into the main living area when the unit moved. A latching mechanism automatically latches the slide out room to the main living quarters as the slide out room is moved into the fully retracted position, and releases the latch to permit outward movement of the room when the unit is parked and the slide out room is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventors: James E. Dewald, Jr., Patrick W. McManus, Martin P. McManus
  • Patent number: 6224126
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle including a “slide-out” cabin portion is equipped with a locking mechanism which comprises a lock door pivotally rotatable to interfere with the wall opening periphery through which the slide-out cabin portion transitions. The slide-out further has an extensible portion front end positioned external to the wall opening such that the dimensions of the extensible portion front end exceed the dimensions of the wall opening. The extensible portion front end contacts the main cabin wall opening periphery along the entire perimeter of the wall opening thus completely sealing the wall opening when the slide-out is in a fully retracted position. Further, the slide-out locks are positioned sufficiently close to the extensible portion front end that when the slide-out is in a retracted position and the slide-out locks are in the locked position, the main cabin wall periphery is pinched between the slide-out locks and the extensible portion front end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Thor Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Allan Martin, David Erwin Carpenter, Michael Charles Hyndman
  • Patent number: 6209944
    Abstract: A stowable top or cover mounted on an open bed of a truck, such as a pickup truck, using lift frames and actuators in a manner to be raised above the bed. The cover and lift frames include attachment channels for connecting a flexible tent-like enclosure thereto such that the enclosure can be attached thereto after the cover is raised. The flexible enclosure can comprise a camper enclosure that encloses the truck bed and also optionally can extend beyond the truck bed to form additional sitting and sleeping rooms supported on separate portable tent-type posts and platforms. A flexible awning enclosure can be attached to the raised cover and lift frames to form an awning that extends beyond the truck bed supported on separate tent-type posts to provide a covered area for on-site work/commercial/recreational activities. An office enclosure can be attached to the raised cover and lift frames to form an office or meeting room where job-site work/meetings and the like can be conducted protected from the weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventors: Charles R. Billiu, David P. Piontek, George W. Klein
  • Patent number: 6196604
    Abstract: A removable and raisable roof attached to four upright supports is mounted on an open bed trailer. Two supports are located on the left and right corners of the forward edge of the trailer; the other two supports are similarly located at the rear corners of the trailer. No side supports are necessary. Using elevating means within the supports, which can operate independently or in tandem, the front and/or rear portions of the roof can be raised and lowered separately. Using external attachable fixtures and ground mounted supports, each of the roof supports can be lifted from their mounted position on the trailer bed and the trailer driven out from under the supports and roof assembly, converting a covered van to a fully open van. If a fully enclosed trailer is desired, then tarpaulin, or other readily removable wall materials can be suspended from the roof and attached to the trailer bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: California Cedar Products
    Inventors: Raymond Karl Hoh, Lawrence Ralph Parks
  • Patent number: 6149217
    Abstract: A pickup truck bed topper that is collapsible into a stored position to allow items to be transported on an open topped pickup truck bed and extended to form an enclosure to keep items being transported away from the wind and the other elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Ashley J. Plamondon
  • Patent number: 6109683
    Abstract: The outer side of a slide-out floor is supported by the outer end of an inner rail member. The inner rail member is telescopically angled within an outer rail member such that the angle increases as the inner rail member is extended, so as to position the outer end of the slide-out floor at an elevation that is substantially flush with the fixed floor when the slide-out floor is fully extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Applied Power Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6086134
    Abstract: A moveable cover assembly including a cover, a support frame, a motor and drive linkage. The motor automatically raises and lowers the cover such that the cover maintains a horizontal orientation throughout the raising and lowering process. This permits the particular object utilizing the cover assembly such as a pick-up truck, a trailer and/or a camper to store and.backslash.or transport tall objects. In an alternative embodiment, the cover is pivotally mounted to the support frame so that the cover can be opened like a hatch back to gain access to the particular object being covered. In another embodiment, the cover may be manually raised and lowered. The manual operation is performed by utilizing a conventional lug wrench. In a further alternative embodiment the support frame is two tiered so that the cover assembly can be raised to greater heights when utilized in environments requiring such, e.g. campers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventors: Bradely Joseph Cravens, Christopher Reed Cravens
  • Patent number: 6070925
    Abstract: A tent assembly includes a plurality of support members connected to one another to form a frame. Covering material is removably connected with the frame to enclose an area. A sleeve structure is connected to the covering material with flexible sidewalls of the sleeve structure extending outwardly. The sidewalls define a sleeve opening adapted for enveloping the rear portion of the vehicle for removable telescoping engagement therewith. Compressible material is connected to outer edges of the sleeve structure for flexibly and resiliently engaging the rear portion of the vehicle so that the compressible material is compressed against the rear portion of the vehicle to form a seal to prevent the ingress of water and insects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Lanny Moldofsky
  • Patent number: 6048016
    Abstract: A motor home has a slide-out room movable between extended and retracted positions with a slide-out assembly that supports the outside of the room. A longitudinal skid pad assembly supports the inside of the room on the floor of the motor home. Latches on the side walls of the motor home engage anchors secured to the floor of the motor homes to retain the room in the retracted position. Connectors having vertical and horizontal adjusting structures mount the room on the slide-out assembly to permit adjustment of the position of the room relative to the side wall and floor of the motor home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Winnebago Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Futrell, Jack M. Decker
  • Patent number: 6030026
    Abstract: A tent enclosure for use with a pickup truck having an open cargo bed, upstanding side walls, and a rigid, flat tonneau cover pivotally connected near a front end of the upstanding side walls, comprising a one-piece flexible covering having a main sleeve section, two side sections, and a rear section extending from the sleeve section along the side and rear edges thereof, respectively. The sleeve section comprises a pair of opposed fabric panels affixed together along the side and rear edges thereof to form an interior compartment for receiving the tonneau cover. The tent enclosure is supported in its raised condition by inserting the tonneau cover into the interior compartment of the sleeve section, and supporting the tonneau cover in an inclined position with two support poles placed between the tonneau cover and the cargo bed of the truck. The side sections are lowered and secured to the truck by means of a plurality of elastic cords with hooks extending downward from the side sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventors: Pete B Vega, Richard Vega, George Vega
  • Patent number: 6007137
    Abstract: An enclosure is described for the box of a pick-up truck. The box of a pickup truck is defined by a front wall, side walls and a rear gate the flat upper surfaces of the box forming a rectangle. The enclosure has a front wall, side walls and a rear gate which has a lower flange surface substantially congruent with the uppermost, outermost edge of the box, and mountable atop same. This defines a space enclosed by the box and an enclosure. The enclosure of the present invention is hinged internally within the defined space and is characterized in that between the other side wall of an enclosure of the invention and the corresponding side wall of a box is provided a pair of lifting arms to assist in the lifting, and closing, of said enclosure and a pair of latches to keep the enclosure in the lowermost closed position and is further defined by a weatherproof seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: James Whitfield Lambden
  • Patent number: 5988731
    Abstract: A tub support kit which can be dismantled and completely removed from the cargo tub of a wheeled vehicle such as a utility trailer or a pickup truck. The kit includes a frame structure which is adapted to rest upright at the rear end of the tub near a drop down tailgate. U-shaped support members extend out over the side walls of the tub and have their rear legs separably connected to the frame structure. Two berth bases overlie the support members and are releasably connected to the U-shaped support members and the frame structure to hold the assemblage together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Roger Eischen
  • Patent number: 5983576
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: HWH Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Hanser, William G. Reckmeyer, Stacy M. Hanser, Marc E. Frerichs
  • Patent number: 5984396
    Abstract: A vehicle having a slide-out room section includes an operating mechanism for moving the slide-out room section laterally relative to a stationary room section for expanding the interior volume of the vehicle. The slide-out room section has an outer end which is mounted via a vertically movable connection arrangement to the operating mechanism, and a cooperative support arrangement is provided for the inner end of the slide-out room section to enable the slide-out room section to be vertically dropped when fully extended to place the slide-out room section floor flush with the floor of the stationary room section. The cooperative support arrangement for the inner end of the slide-out room section raises the inner end of the slide-out room section when the slide-out room section is retracted, and the vertically movable connection arrangement enables the outer end of the slide-out room section to be raised upon retraction of the slide-out room section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Applied Power, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 5971471
    Abstract: A fold-out tent camper is provided with a slide-out room providing increased living space. The slide-out room is supported through four-point linkages which extend between the opposite sides of the slide-out room and the corresponding edges of the aperture through which the slide-out room extends and retracts. The four-point linkages both guide the slide-out room as it extends and retracts, and also support the slide-out room when it is fully extended, thus eliminating the need for auxiliary supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: R-N-R International, Inc.
    Inventor: Stewart E. Gardner
  • Patent number: 5961176
    Abstract: A new motor home with collapsible body for allowing for easy travel with the body in a collapsed orientation. The inventive device includes a vehicle portion having a cab portion and a rearwardly extending chassis portion. A body portion is secured to a top portion of the chassis portion of the vehicle portion. The body portion is comprised of an insulated material. The body portion is expandable with respect to the chassis portion. A lifting apparatus is disposed within the chassis portion for selectively raising and lowering the body portion with respect to the vehicle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Raymond A. E. Tilly
  • Patent number: 5957525
    Abstract: A pickup tent which may be removably mounted to a bed of a pickup truck comprising a removable mounting frame including frame sections removably attached to the top surfaces of the front and sidewalls of the pickup truck bed, a generally rigid cover disposed over the pickup truck bed and hinged to the front wall frame section so that the cover pivots vertically about the hinge. The cover can then be extended from a closed position flush with the top surfaces of the sidewalls of the bed to an erected position forming an angle to the top surfaces the bed sidewalls. When the cover is in the open position, a fabric tent enclosure is extended from the bottom surface of the cover to the bed of the pickup truck. A pair of support rods which are pivotally mounted between the bottom surface of the cover and each sidewall frame section support the cover in the open position. These support rods pivot and collapse as the cover is rotated to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Ronald D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5954076
    Abstract: A tent structure for truck beds including a collapsible pole structure constructed from a plurality of interlockable tent poles; and a tent cover member positionable in connection with and supported by the collapsible pole structure, the cover member having a pair of wheel well receiving cavities for receiving the wheel well structures of a pickup truck when the tent structure is erected on a bed of a pickup truck and at least two pickup truck sidewall cover flaps, each sidewall cover flap having at least two flexible securing straps securable between side a side edge of the sidewall cover flap and the pickup truck. In a preferred embodiment, the tent structure further includes a lighting system including a light bulb assembly, an electrical distribution wiring harness, and an electrical system connector. The electrical distribution wiring harness is connected between the system connector and the light bulb assembly. The system connector is preferably connectable to the cigarette lighter socket of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Graham McGinnis
  • Patent number: 5951095
    Abstract: A transformable cover assembly for pickup trucks is user switchable between a low profile, bed cover configuration and a fully deployed, camper configuration. The apparatus unfolds from a planar orientation into a pair of cooperating, stacked, generally wedge-shaped segments. The segments are complementary; the stacked wedge-shaped segments form an inhabitable enclosure in the general form of a parallelepiped when erected. A planar deck that is foldably deployed comprises a top that ultimately covers the upper segment, and a shroud that unfolds to form a border between the adjacent, deployed segments. A foldable framework comprising a plurality of cooperating members enables foldable transformation. As the assembly deploys it unfurls pliable, generally triangular walls at the segment sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Brett S. Herndon
  • Patent number: 5951082
    Abstract: A flexible plumbing assembly for use in a trailer with an extensible cabin having rigid plumbing that can be moved between a retracted position wherein the extensible cabin is substantially inside the trailer and an extended position wherein the extensible cabin is substantially outside the trailer. The flexible plumbing assembly comprising a flexible hose connecting the trailer rigid plumbing to the cabin rigid plumbing, a sliding guide for horizontally moving the connection of the flexible hose to the cabin rigid plumbing at a constant elevation relative to the cabin floor as the cabin rigid plumbing moves with the cabin between the extended and retracted positions, and hose guide for ensuring that material in the flexible hose moves in the proper direction as the cabin moves between the extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Monaco Coach Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony J. DiBiagio, Gordon G. Hastings, Todd C. Krenelka, Thomas J. Ward
  • Patent number: 5934726
    Abstract: An accessory for a pickup truck can include a rectangular platform hingedly attached to the floor of the truck cargo area for extension rearwardly beyond the truck tailgate. The platform can be used as a bed or as a picnic table. Inverted U-shaped arches can be mounted in sockets at the corners of the platform to support a fabric tent structure. When the tent structure is removed the corner sockets can be used as mounting devices for one or more food cooking stoves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Charles A Bossett
  • Patent number: 5934738
    Abstract: A collapsible room addition is provided for use on the front of a camper under the nose area. The rigid panel members of the room are foldably attached and stowed underneath the camper nose. When the panel members are unfolded, front, interior, rear and side walls of the room are provided along with floor members which form a weathertight and secure room. An alternative embodiment is provided wherein the walls are formed of a curtain or other flexible material hung down to approximately ground level along the periphery of the lower, outer edge of the nose area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: James F. Welles
  • Patent number: 5921614
    Abstract: A van-tent camping system, designed to enlarge sleeping and storage arrangements, is adapted for use with and to provide a tent-like covered extension to the rear of van-type vehicles and sport utility vehicles with upward opening rear doors. When the present invention is combined with a vehicle, it forms a single dwelling structure that provides capabilities for camping, storage, picnics and other recreational activities. The invention includes a sectional platform with a retractable and extendable frame and a tent-like cover that attaches around the extended frame. The tent-like cover is held up by the vehicle and the upward opening rear door of the vehicle. The tent-like structure uses no stakes or poles. A sectional platform is provided inside the vehicle and is a base for a bed. Underneath the platform is provided storage space. The rear most section of the platform is designed to stay in the vehicle to be used for storage shelving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventors: Keith Biedermann, Thuy Biedermann
  • Patent number: 5806906
    Abstract: A device for enclosing the back of a motor vehicle which is comprised of a flexible cover removably attached to a ridge extending from the back of the motor vehicle. When the device is attached to the motor vehicle, it encloses the space behind the back section of such vehicle, and the device forms a substantially water-proof enclosure together with the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Hamondale Recreation Incorporated
    Inventor: John M. Hammond
  • Patent number: 5787650
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Newmar Corporation
    Inventors: Mahlon A. Miller, David A. Blosser, Stanley L. Yoder
  • Patent number: 5788306
    Abstract: A trailer having a slideout mechanism for moving an extensible cabin between a retracted position wherein the cabin is substantially inside the trailer and an extended position wherein the cabin is substantially outside the trailer. The slideout mechanism comprising an extension assembly for positioning the cabin between the retracted and extended positions and a leveling assembly for vertically positioning the cabin floor between a raised position wherein the cabin floor is substantially above the trailer floor and a lowered position wherein the cabin floor is substantially level with the trailer floor. In one embodiment, the leveling assembly comprises a frame member having a predetermined profile for controlling the vertical movement of the outboard end of the cabin floor as the cabin is positioned between the retracted and extended positions. In other embodiments, the leveling assembly comprises a cam assembly or a riser assembly for controlling the vertical position of the cabin floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Monaco Coach Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony J. DiBiagio, Marvin P. Burns, Larry Martin
  • Patent number: 5785373
    Abstract: A motor home has a slide-out room movable between extended and retracted positions with a slide-out assembly that supports the outside of the room. A longitudinal skid pad assembly supports the inside of the room on the floor of the motor home. Latches on the side walls of the motor home engage anchors secured to the floor of the motor homes to retain the room in the retracted position. Connectors having vertical and horizontal adjusting structures mount the room on the slide-out assembly to permit adjustment of the position of the room relative to the side wall and floor of the motor home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Winnebago Industries
    Inventors: Steven D. Futrell, Jack M. Decker
  • Patent number: 5735565
    Abstract: A conversion unit for a pickup truck long-cab chassis frame, modified to support a regular cab, thereby providing a frame clear length of almost two feet between the cab rear wall and an open front end of the cargo bed. The conversion unit includes a plastic bedliner portion, defined by bottom and opposed side panels, and a self-supporting, integral, forward extension portion defined by an extended bottom panel portion, extended side panel portions, and a front panel upstanding from the forward end of the extended bottom panel portion. A metal framework, embedded in the plastic extension portion, is adapted to be secured to the frame clear length providing an extra-long composite cargo bed. A second embodiment of the unit provides a lower-half opening in one side of the extension portion, adapted for closure by a downwardly opening lower hatch swingably supported on the framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph A. Papai, Clifford Wilkins