Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts. A synchronizing control operates the motors.

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.

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.

Abstract: A full size building having three walls, an open side and a roof but no floor can be moved along parallel rails from an open free standing position to a closed position where the building abuts another structure to completely enclose an outdoor area. The building is of conventional construction but is erected over a rigid framework of iron beams. A series of roller assemblies containing rotatable axles is attached to the underside of rigid framework. The axles rest directly on the rails and rotate smoothly by means of bearings as the building moves along the rails. Stabilizers prevent wobble and keep the building on the rails when it is being moved. Locks prevent any movement when the building is in either the open or closed position. Additional locking means prevent lateral movement when the building is locked in the open position. The building can be moved using a winch and cable system or using a unique suspended sprocket wheel and track system. Concrete footings form the base for the rails.

Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts. A synchronizing control operates the motors.

Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts. A synchronizing control operates the motors.

Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts. A synchronizing control operates the motors.

Abstract: An electromechanical travel bar lock assembly disables the flow of power to the power drive that moves a RV slide-out room between the traveling position and the deployed position. The assembly includes a bar for removably securing between the wall of the vehicle and the facer board of the slide-out room to prevent the room from moving. The travel bar is provided with an actuator that actuates, directly or indirectly, a switch means incorporated into the circuitry of the power drive so that power is not permitted to flow from its source to the drive, and the slide-out room cannot be moved when the travel bar is positioned between the vehicle wall and the facer board. The actuator, switch, and circuitry may embody any one of several different configurations and/or combinations.

Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts. A synchronizing control operates the motors.

Abstract: A slide-out arcs between extended and retracted positions. An outer end of the slide-out is lifted so as to tip the slide-out inwardly when approaching the retracted position. The outer end of the slide-out is lowered so as to tip the slide-out outwardly when approaching the extended position.

Abstract: A travel trailer is provided. The travel trailer may include a camping pod that contains tent fabric. The travel trailer may also have a telescoping member that is configured for raising and lowering the camping pod.

Abstract: An extendible secondary living space for a vehicle. The extendible living space may move from a retracted position in which it is substantially integrated within or in close proximity to a primary living space of the vehicle, to an extended position in which it provides an open-air porch or balcony accessible from the primary living space. The extendible living space may be extended from any wall of the vehicle, such as a side wall or rear wall, and may be particularly well suited for use in motorized recreational vehicles.

Abstract: A multiple slide-out system for a recreational vehicle or the like includes a first slide-out section having a first floor, a first carriage abutting and affixed to the first floor, a first driven track affixed to the underside of the first carriage, and a first drive motor anchored to the floor of the vehicle to drive the first slide-out section relative to the vehicle. A second slide-out section which slides within the first slide-out section includes a second floor, a second carriage abutting and affixed to the second floor, a second driven track affixed to the underside of the second carriage, and a second drive motor anchored to top side of the first carriage to drive the second slide-out section relative to the first slide-out section.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle slide out system includes a mobile dwelling assembly with an outer wall having an opening extending therethrough. An extension is slidably mounted to the dwelling assembly. The extension includes an upper wall, a lower wall and an exterior wall. The exterior wall forms a covering for the opening when the extension is in a stored position. A lateral wall includes a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge is hingedly coupled to a lateral edge of the exterior wall. The lateral wall is pivotable into a closed position extending between the exterior wall and the outer wall when the extension is in an extended position. The lateral wall is pivoted to a position approximately orientated parallel to the exterior wall when the extension is in the stored position to prevent the lateral walls from substantially extending into the mobile dwelling assembly.

Abstract: An expandable trailer comprising a chassis, at least one pair of extendable supports, at least one pair of horizontal floor sections and at least one pair of floor elements. Each support is extendable laterally outwardly to a respective side of a central longitudinal axis of the chassis. The horizontal floor sections of each pair of horizontal floor sections are spaced apart laterally and each have an outer rail which is coupled to a corresponding one of the supports. The floor elements are pivotally coupled to each other and to the floor sections. Upon extension of the extendable supports from a retracted position to an open, extended position, the horizontal floor sections move laterally outwardly to extend from the chassis and the floor elements move from an upright vertical arrangement to an arrangement where the floor elements lie in horizontal alignment with the floor sections.

Abstract: A resilient seal for mobile living quarters seals around a slide-out room includes a pair of attaching members 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 the connecting member further includes an accordion pleat for adjusting the distance between the attaching members to thereby accommodate walls of different thicknesses.

Abstract: A seal assembly for mobile living quarters seals around a slide-out room, includes a pair of attaching members 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 the connecting member further includes an accordion pleat for adjusting the distance between the attaching members to thereby accommodate walls of different thicknesses.

Abstract: A drive mechanism having a first and second side plate opposite each other that rotatably hold an engagement shaft and a gear shaft. A rack passes between the gear shaft and engagement shaft. The first and second side plates are allowed to float vertically in a frame. The gear is maintained in constant contact with the rack when the rack is moved vertically within the frame.

Abstract: A mobile facility has a fixed frame, an expandable roof section, an expandable floor section, and an expandable side section. Interior space within the mobile facility is expanded by expanding the expandable roof section, the expandable floor section and the expandable side section.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a wheeled frame and sidewalls with a cockpit therein. A top is provided having a perimeter contoured for engaging a sidewall perimeter in a closed position and providing a canopy for the cargo/living space in an open position. Linear actuators are provided for moving the top between the open and closed positions along with a motor mechanism for operating the linear actuation. A panel moveably attached to the top enables operator entry and exit from the vehicle with the top in the closed position through an access provided by the panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slide-out room synchronizing mechanism. In one preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the slide-out room synchronizer includes upper and lower timing belts fixed to the side of the slide-out room. Each belt is coupled to a synchronizing belt within the vehicle by a set of connecting gears. As the bottom of the slide-out room moves, the force is transferred through the gears and synchronizing belt to the top upper timing belts. In this respect, the movement of the top of the slide-out room is synchronized to the bottom, providing synchronized extension or retraction at equal or varying speeds.

Abstract: A compound motion travel lock secures a slide-out section of a vehicle in a retracted position. A lock arm moves in a compound pivoting and translating movement as a manual or power driven actuator provides a linear input to a cam pin and slot arrangement. The rotational input is converted to a linear force acting on the lock arm, which pivots out from a collapsed position by engagement of the cam pins in the cam slots. The pivoted out lock arm is then translated to an engaged position in which the lock arm clamps against an interior surface of the vehicle to retain the slide-out section retracted within the vehicle. When the lock arm is collapsed the slide-out section can be moved freely between retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: There is a telescoping camper that has a lower camper portion and an upper camper portion that slides around and over the lower camper portion in a telescoping fashion. Primary jacks are attached to each corner of the upper camper portion. There is a lift mechanism attached to the upper edge of each primary jack that actuates a jack extension that extends and contracts from the bottom edge of each primary jack. There is a removable jack support attached to each corner of the lower camper portion and adjacent to and essentially parallel to each primary jack. Each jack support has a support platform attached to the base. The upper camper portion is telescoped upward from the lower camper portion by actuating the lift mechanism that extends all four jack extensions simultaneously with the jack bases contacting and pushing upward from the support platforms until the upper camper portion is in a fully extended position.

Abstract: This invention discloses a slide-out room mechanism for recreational vehicles that allows the smooth and stable contraction and extension of slide-out rooms while requiring a minimum of parts or modifications to the recreational vehicle chassis or stationary floor. The slide-out room mechanism includes one or more rollers which facilitate contraction and extension of the slide-out room. The slide-out room mechanism includes an inclined plane configured to roll upon the one or more rollers. The slide-out mechanism can also use electro-mechanical or other mechanisms to assist the rolling of the rollers and/or assist the extension and contraction of the slide-out room.

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 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.

Abstract: A material handling device for a vehicle includes a receiving portion for receiving material, a material moving system operable to move material along the receiving portion, a material processing device attachable at a rear of the receiving portion, and a power source. The receiving portion is configured to fit at a vehicle bed, and is removably positioned at a vehicle bed. The material handling device may be movably supported at a support surface to ease installation and removal of said material handling device at the vehicle. The material processing device is operable to dispense material from within the receiving portion to a location external the receiving portion and/or collect material from a location external the receiving portion and dispense the collected material into the receiving portion. The power source may provide power to the material processing device and/or the material moving device.

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle with one or more slide-out sections and a compact operating mechanism for moving each slide-out section between extended and retracted positions. In one form, the vehicle has a primary slide-out section and a secondary slide-out section mounted to extend and retract relative to the primary slide-out section. In that case, the vehicle has at least two operating mechanism, at least one for each sliding section. Each operating mechanism has two slide modules, one module is mounted the slide-out section and the other is mounted to a stationary part of the vehicle. One module includes a drive and the other includes a drive member, such as a drive screw, that interact to extend and retract the slide-out section. A track and glide arrangement can be used to facilitate relative sliding between the modules.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable support system for raising and lowering structures, including covers or tops of mobile and immobile dwellings which includes a plurality of telescopic assemblies. The telescopic assemblies include at least two tube members that are provided with enclosed sides and a centrally located internal channel structure that is parallel to and proximal to a center of the tube members, though which internal channel structures one of a plurality of spring elements extends. A mechanism extends and retracts the spring elements thereby causing the telescopic assemblies to extend and retract.

Abstract: A gear operated pivoting travel lock secures a slide-out section of a vehicle in a retracted position. The travel lock includes a gear box, containing two mating worm gears, that mounts to a wall of the slide-out section. The drive gear is mounted at the end of an operating member and the driven gear is mounted to an axle. Two pivot arms are mounted at the ends of the axle. Turning the operating member, preferably by a handle member, rotates the drive gear to mesh with the driven gear. As the driven gear rotates, the pivot arms swing out from a collapsed position to an engaged position. When the slide-out section is retracted within the vehicle, a pressure pad at the end of the pivot arms clamps against an interior surface of the vehicle wall. When the travel lock is collapsed the slide-out section can be moved between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A sliding mechanism for moving a slide-out compartment of a vehicle includes a guide member, a sliding member, and a gear. The gear is used to move the sliding member relative to the guide member. The sliding member and the guide member cooperate with each other to move the slide-out compartment between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A multi-story house trailer includes a frame, a plurality of wheels supporting said frame and a multi-story structure disposed on said frame and including a first and a top floor together with a storage floor and wherein the first and top floors have reduced ceiling height of about 100 to 120 cm and the storage floor has a height of about 40 cm. An upper deck is also provided and is accessible from the interior of the structure.

Abstract: A retractable cover for a slide-out unit on a recreational vehicle, mobile home, travel trailer, or the like, includes a roll bar that is movable with the slide-out unit away from the side of the vehicle with the roll bar mounted in a housing having a closure plate which is easily pivoted to an open position or removed to facilitate maintenance or removal of debris that may accumulate in the housing during a retraction of the cover. The housing is mounted on the slide-out unit with brackets permitting the brackets to be located at any position along the length of the housing and also permitting the housing to assume a length that is much greater than the width of the slide-out unit providing a better cover for the slide-out unit during inclement weather.

Abstract: An awning mechanism for a recreational vehicle having a slider includes a box awning having a frame and a roller disposed therein with an awning rolled about the roller and extendable therefrom. The awning includes a leading edge and a bracket is provided for mounting the frame to a stationary wall of the recreational vehicle. A header attachable to the slider beneath the frame is provided with the bracket and the header having a generally coplanar relationship with the slide out in a fully retracted position. Linkage is provided which interconnects the header and the leading edge and includes structure enabling shortening of the linkage as the header passes beneath the leading edge on the roller.

Abstract: A travel trailer having a two-level chassis supporting at least two discrete floor sections at at least two different heights above the ground with at least one of those floors having a bathroom portion being supported by an upper chassis beam is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the chassis has a substantially horizontal forward upper portion and a substantially horizontal rearward lower portion, and an upper floor is secured to the upper portion and a lower floor is secured to the lower portion with an intermediate floor positioned below the upper edge of the upper portion of the chassis to a height intermediate that of the upper and lower floors. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the intermediate floor is suspended below the upper chassis portion. The area underneath the intermediate section and above the bottom of the trailer defines a storage area that is not blocked or limited in size by the width of the chassis beams.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle comprises a slide-out room. A ceiling of the slide-out room comprises at least one window to allow external light into the slide-out room.

Abstract: A securing mechanism for use with a recreational vehicle (RV) slide out assembly. The securing mechanism structurally interconnects the slide out assembly to the RV when the slide out assembly is in a retracted position and when it is in an extended position. Specifically, loads in the RV induced from the road, from passengers, from equipment, and other various sources are distributed through the slide out assembly. Advantageously, flexure of the RV walls around the slide out opening is reduced. As a result, walls and their fixtures are less likely to be damaged due to flexure, seals between the RV walls and the slide out are more likely to stay intact, and the size of slide outs can be increased without compromising the structural integrity of the RV.

Abstract: An awning assembly having two ends is adapted to be mounted on a first structure that is extendable from a second structure for rotation about a longitudinal axis of rotation extending between the two ends, the awning assembly having a generally horizontal orientation when in use. An intermediate support for the awning assembly is adapted to be attached to the first structure at a location between the two ends of the awning assembly. The intermediate support includes a curved supporting surface that supports the awning. Alternatively, the intermediate support can include two brackets that are adapted to be spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of rotation of the awning assembly and at least two support rollers mounted at their opposite ends to the brackets so as to provide a supporting surface. The curved supporting surface and supporting rollers can comprise concave supporting surfaces that are generally congruent with the outer surface of the awning assembly.

Abstract: A system is described which may be used to extend and retract a slide-out compartment of a vehicle.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a lifting the top of a mobile housing includes a first and second pairs of push-pull springs. The springs are connected to an drive assembly and to the top. The drive assembly includes a threaded shaft having a threaded block which travels thereon and a cable associated therewith. When the threaded shaft is rotated, the push-pull springs move. A pulley structure is provided for allowing adjustment of the position of the first pair of springs relative to the second pair of springs.

Abstract: A securing mechanism for use with a recreational vehicle (RV) slide out assembly. The securing mechanism structurally interconnects the slide out assembly to the RV when the slide out assembly is in a retracted position and when it is in an extended position. Specifically, loads in the RV induced from the road, from passengers, from equipment, and other various sources are distributed through the slide out assembly. Advantageously, flexure of the RV walls around the slide out opening is reduced. As a result, walls and their fixtures are less likely to be damaged due to flexure, seals between the RV walls and the slide out are more likely to stay intact, and the size of slide outs can be increased without compromising the structural integrity of the RV.

Abstract: A low-profile sideout drive mechanism includes a movable support rail for the sideout formed of an outer channel and a nested inner channel having a vertical height less than the outer channel. The inner and outer channels define a tubular rail or ram wherein the inner channel is formed with slots therein to define a gear rack wherein the vertical space requirements of the tubular rail and a cooperating drive gear are minimized.

Abstract: An intermediate support for a retractable roll awning. The support is positioned between two end brackets and provides additional support. The support includes a two support surfaces for supporting the roll awning in two directions. Alternatively, the support may comprise a single curved support surface. The support surface or surfaces include an arrangement for reducing friction.

Abstract: The travel trailer includes a chassis having wheels and a trailer body attached to the chassis. The trailer body includes sidewalls, a front end wall, a rear end wall, a roof, and a floor. The sidewalls, end walls, roof, and floor form an internal living space of the trailer body. A slide-out area is slidably extendable outward from the trailer body. The slide-out area is extendable from a retracted position received substantially within the trailer body to an extended position extended outward from the trailer body. The slide-out area has a roof, sidewalls, a bottom wall, and a front end wall. The front end wall of the slide-out areas is adapted to seal against the trailer body in the retracted position.

Abstract: A drop down for floor access, laterally expanding for space, stressed structure for finesse, trailer or portable building that consists of two telescoping open span box shells of space tube type construction with a novel suspension attached both near the floor and near the ceiling that allows walk through floor space between the wheels when the thin trailer floor is sitting on roadway surface in the drop down mode. A “glide-over” box shell section travels on overhead “drawer-slide”apparatus during extensions-retraction and twin overhead “T” beams captivate a combination double foam weather seal and travel stop during extension.

Abstract: A slide-out room and awning assembly for a recreational vehicle. The assembly includes a roll enclosure for attachment to an exterior side wall of the vehicle, a roll rotationally journalled within the roll enclosure, a slide-out room for extension from the exterior side wall, an elongated trough attached to the slide-out room, and an awning fabric attached at a proximate edge to the roll and attached at a distal edge to the elongated trough. When the slide-out room is in a retracted position, the awning fabric is wrapped around the roll. When the slide-out room is in an extended position, the awning fabric is extended from the roll over a top wall of the slide-out room at a downward slope from the roll to the trough such that debris and liquid flow into the trough.

Abstract: A mobile accommodation unit in container form for use as mobile hospital or mobile control or command center or the like has a box-shaped main box element and at least one secondary box element. In a transport state, the secondary box element is telescoped into the main box element. For setting up an accommodation unit of increased floor area, the secondary box element can be pulled out of a lateral opening of the main box element. In order to provide a continuous floor surface, after the secondary box element has been pulled out, the main box element has a movable floor element, which can be lifted relative to a basic floor element so as to equalize the floor levels of the main box element and the secondary box element.

Abstract: An intermediate support for a retractable roll awning. The support is positioned between two end brackets and provides additional support. The support includes a two support surfaces for supporting the roll awning in two directions. Alternatively, the support may comprise a single curved support surface. The support surface or surfaces include an arrangement for reducing friction.

Abstract: A low profile, expandable, mobile rigid structure with unique a unique assembly and support system, that can easily be transported by an average sized vehicle. The structure features a central structure with a central roof section, a pair of endwall assemblies, and a central floor mounted to a base. The endwalls are two pieced having a bottom endwall panel and a top endwall panel. From the side of the central structure one or more side sections are retractable and expandable to increase the size of the floor space inside. The two pieced endwalls allow for compaction of the structure for travel by translating the lower portion of the endwall from supporting the upper portion. A two pieced door allows entry into the structure when it is expanded.

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

Abstract: A space saving system to provide stable and supported movement of an expandable room or other moveable structure relative to a vehicle or other base structure is disclosed. The space saving system provides an inner and outer nested tubular member within a floor of the base structure. Low friction bearings are used to separate and support the nested tubular members relative to one another. The inner member is fixed to the base structure and the outer member is allowed to move telescopically relative to the inner member. The outer member is vertically supported by the base structure through use of a low friction bearing. The expandable room is supported upon the outer member.