Body Having Telescopic Sections Patents (Class 296/175)
  • Patent number: 11110845
    Abstract: With regard to mobile residential facilities such as camping cars, provided is a wing body-type truck vehicle to which a removable residential facility is mounted. When installing a residential facility 4 inside a cargo compartment of the wing body-type truck vehicle, fixing mechanisms 5, 6 are used to prevent the relative movement of the residential facility 4 and a load bed of said truck. When separating the residential facility 4 from the cargo compartment, said fixing mechanisms 5, 6 are removed, thus allowing the residential facility to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Tohru Ohta
  • Patent number: 11034279
    Abstract: A ramp frame guides a vehicle slide-out room to enable the slide-out room floor to be flush with the vehicle floor when the slide-out room is in its extended position. The ramp frame includes a landing portion including a top wall that is configured to receive the slide-out room in the extended position, and a lifting portion including an inclined section extending from the top wall of the landing portion and a horizontal section extending from a distal end of the inclined section. The horizontal section extends outside of a boundary defined by the top wall of the landing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Kaleb VanOrt, Trenton Miller, Marc Grimes
  • Patent number: 10703249
    Abstract: An room assembly that expands the interior space in a vehicle. The room assembly comprises an expandable room comprising an adjustable floor panel component, an adjustable wall panel component, and a track system for moving the adjustable floor panel component and the adjustable wall panel component between a nested and an expanded position. The track system comprises a corner component comprising a floor engaging plate, a wall engaging plate connected to the floor engaging plate, and a rail extending from both plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Inventor: Justin Angelow
  • Patent number: 10569624
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having a vehicle roof having a roof opening with fixed roof portions relative to the vehicle and a covering unit having at least one rigid roof element and that can be displaced between a lifted operating position compared to the roof portions fixed relative to the vehicle, and a lowered closed position, in which the at least one rigid roof element closes the roof opening. Stud elements supporting the covering unit in the operating position, are articulated to the covering unit to be pivotable. Each of the stud elements, in the operating position, spans a right angle together with a plane that is defined by the at least one rigid roof element so that the covering unit can be set down, on bases fixed relative to the vehicle. Additionally, the covering unit may have at least one securing element lock the stud elements in the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Webasto SE
    Inventor: Magnus Sviberg
  • Patent number: 9926012
    Abstract: A vehicle frame includes a first frame rail and a second frame rail spaced from each other. A casing is supported by the first frame rail, and elongated in a direction extending away from the second frame rail. The casing is deformable relative to the first frame rail, and houses an electronic component. During a vehicle small offset frontal impact, the casing moves from an initial position to a deflected position, deflecting some of the load of the impact away from backup structures of the vehicle. In the deflected position, the casing may also contact a front portion of a wheel, positioning the front portion of the wheel inboard the frame of the vehicle relative to a rear portion of the wheel, which may minimize the load transferred to the backup structures and/or detach the wheel from the vehicle to minimize the possibility of intrusion into the backup structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew B. Makowski, Jayanth Kumar Basavalingiah, Jamil M. Alwan, Tanveer Pasha Mahaboob Sab
  • Patent number: 9840182
    Abstract: A Class B motorhome has an interior layout which includes a bathroom at the rear of the motorhome with a toilet and a shower with the toilet on one side of the bathroom and the shower on the opposite side of the bathroom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Coach House, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Gerzeny, Steven B. Gerzeny, Matthew L. Gerzeny
  • Patent number: 9700761
    Abstract: A functional training rig kit includes a box and a plurality of components adapted to fit within the box. At least some of the components and the box include elements by which the components are adapted to be attached to the outside of the box to provide at least one functional training rig attached to the outside of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Beaverfit Limited
    Inventors: Tom Beaver, Jim Beaver
  • Patent number: 9434290
    Abstract: Locking mechanism assemblies are provided for retaining a slide-room of a recreational vehicle in a retracted position. An exemplary assembly has a strut member extending between the slide-room and a wall of the recreational vehicle. The strut member is pivotable between a first position and a second position corresponding to an extended position and a retracted position, respectively, of the slide-room. The assembly further includes a guide member coupled to the strut member and movable therewith such that pivoting motion of the strut member between the first position and the second position causes corresponding linear motion of the guide member along a guide between a first position and a second position. The strut member applies a compressive force to the slide-room and a vehicle wall adjacent the slide-room to inhibit movement of the slide-room when the slide-room is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Composite Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Dame, Jeffrey Chase, Stefan Dale Crabtree, Benjamin B. Chase
  • Publication number: 20150137555
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a slide out in an expandable enclosure, the drive assembly comprising a beam attachable to the slide out, the beam having a first row of teeth and a second row of teeth thereon, the first row of teeth and the second row of teeth extending parallel to each other on opposite sides of the beam wherein the teeth in the first row of teeth are offset relative to the teeth in the second row of teeth and a drive gear having a first gear wheel engagable with the first row of teeth and a second gear wheel engagable with the second row of teeth, and an actuator coupled to the beam to selectively extend and retract the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Bernard F. GARCEAU
  • Publication number: 20150102632
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle body structure having expandable body defined by two nesting chambers housed within an enclosed rigid body shell with openings on both side walls for the chambers to extend out. One of the chamber is an enclosed box with interior and exterior entry doors. The other chamber is an open box with only exterior entry door. The recreational vehicle body structure may be part of a towable trailer or a motorized recreational vehicle. In the deployed configuration, the chambers are extended laterally and independently, thereby providing additional living space to the recreational vehicle. In the travel configuration, the chambers are retracted with the enclosed box chamber nesting within the larger open box chamber and the outside walls of the chambers are flush with the body shell sidewalls, thereby reducing the body structure to within the maximum allowable exterior dimensions in length, width, and height for highway bound travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Tuan Anh Pham
  • 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
  • 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: 8484908
    Abstract: A mobile multi-functional shelter unit, for use as a general working area or for storing and maintaining heavy machinery. The mobile multi-functional shelter unit includes a central structure that has a deployed state and a non-deployed state as well as means for translating from the deployed state to the non-deployed state. The central structure has a base section, a central floor mounted on top of the base section, track means for raising a vehicle from a ground surface onto and off of the central floor. The central structure supports a raisable roof assembly and a lateral pullout assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: One 4 Haul Trans4mer Ltd.
    Inventor: Alcide Hache
  • Patent number: 8480159
    Abstract: Apparatus and operation methods for telescoping slide out systems for a recreational vehicle (“RV”). Telescoping slide out systems can comprise an outer box shiftable relative to the body of an RV and an inner box shiftable relative to the outer box. In certain embodiments, when the telescoping slide out system is in a retracted position, no interface between the outer box and the inner box is visible from the exterior of the RV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Fleetwood RV, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Jones
  • Publication number: 20130119700
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a slide out in an expandable enclosure, the drive assembly comprising a beam attachable to the slide out, the beam having a first row of teeth and a second row of teeth thereon, the first row of teeth and the second row of teeth extending parallel to each other on opposite sides of the beam wherein the teeth in the first row of teeth are offset relative to the teeth in the second row of teeth and a drive gear having a first gear wheel engagable with the first row of teeth and a second gear wheel engagable with the second row of teeth, and an actuator coupled to the beam to selectively extend and retract the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Norco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard F. Garceau
  • Patent number: 8434272
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle with weatherproofing for a slide-out compartment has a main body, a slide-out compartment having a side wall with an upper wall, a bottom wall and a pair of end walls extending inwardly from the side wall, and a first cover having one end affixed to the side wall of the main body and an opposite end affixed to the slide-out compartment. The first cover extends over top wall and a pair of end walls of the slide-out compartment. The first cover is formed of a flexible watertight material. The first cover is affixed by bracket to the side wall of the main body and to the slide-out compartment. A second cover is affixed to the first cover and extends through a slot formed between the upper wall of the slide-out compartment and the opening of the side wall of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Edward F. Martinez
  • Patent number: 8408625
    Abstract: A resilient seal used in an RV having a slide out room defining an interior space. The RV having a first sidewall having an exterior side, the first sidewall defining an opening through which the slide out room is shifted between extended and retracted positions. The slide out room including a second sidewall spaced from the first sidewall and an end wall defining the interior space. The end wall has a peripheral flange that overlaps the first sidewall when the slide out room is in its closed position. The seal of the present invention includes a single piece integrally connected corner piece having substantially perpendicular legs meeting at a fused mitered watertight corner. The corner piece prevents entry of water where seals supporting the corner piece meet particularly when the slide out room is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Lifetime Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin E. Ksiezopolski, Norman L. Newhouse
  • Publication number: 20130015679
    Abstract: Apparatus and operation methods for telescoping slide out systems for a recreational vehicle (“RV”). Telescoping slide out systems can comprise an outer box shiftable relative to the body of an RV and an inner box shiftable relative to the outer box. In certain embodiments, when the telescoping slide out system is in a retracted position, no interface between the outer box and the inner box is visible from the exterior of the RV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: FLEETWOOD RV, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Jones
  • Publication number: 20120261944
    Abstract: A seal is provided for a slide-out room of a recreational vehicle. The slide-out room is movable in a range of positions including a retracted position and an extended position. The seal is compressible between the slide-out room and a side wall of the vehicle and includes at least one sensor capable of detecting a force or a lack thereof on the seal, to indicate if adequate compression of the seal has been achieved in a stop position of the room or if there is an obstruction in between the stop positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Craig J. Kreil
  • Patent number: 8266843
    Abstract: The actuator uses reinforced polyurethane timing belts as a flexible rack member mounted to the slide-out room and a pinion assembly mounted at the top and bottom of the slide-out opening of the main compartment. A pair of timing belts are mounted at the corners of the slide-out room top and floor, each running longitudinally to the direction of the slide-out movement. Each pinion block includes a pinion and two idle rollers. The timing belts pass through the drive block being trained around the pinion between two idle rollers in a serpentine fashion. A reversible electric motor, which is operatively connected to all four pinion blocks, simultaneously turns the pinions to propel the timing belts through the pinion blocks thereby extending and retracting the slide-out room through the slide-out opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: R-N-R International, Inc.
    Inventor: Stewart E. Gardner
  • 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: 8141304
    Abstract: A prefabricated container house includes a container type main frame member when on a chassis capable of being pulled by a trailer truck; and dwelling forming members which can be housed in the main frame member, and which can be drawn out of the main frame member at an installation site, and assembled into a house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventors: Kangna Nelson Shen, Coen Germeraad
  • Patent number: 8074403
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: John Mentnech
  • Patent number: 7871114
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy D. Schultz, Craig J. Reske
  • Patent number: 7841645
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Lee Joint Venture
    Inventors: David M. Diamond, Jay L. Howard
  • Patent number: 7802834
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Monaco Coach Corporation
    Inventors: Tomas D. Cadena, Jose J. Mercado
  • Patent number: 7614676
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Lifetime Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin E. Ksiezopolski, Norman L. Newhouse
  • Patent number: 7614677
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Lifetime Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin E. Ksiezopolski, Norman L. Newhouse
  • Publication number: 20090102231
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle comprising a driver's compartment (101) containing forward-facing seats (110, 111), a main coach section (102) connected to the rear end of driver's compartment (101), a retractable rearward-facing couch (151) extending from the front end of main coach section (102) into the space above forward-facing seats (110, 111), a retractable room extension in the form of a bedroom slide (104), and storage compartments (140, 145) which are movable out of main coach section (102) into bedroom slide (104) when bedroom slide (104) is in its extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Itty Atcravi
  • Patent number: 7493727
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable enclosure provides an additional storage or work area in a structure which has a limited amount of available space, such as a motor home or trailer. The enclosure is installed in an opening, such as for a window, and can be selectively moved to an extended position where the enclosure extends outside the structure, or to a retracted position where the enclosure is positioned inside the structure. Two spaced apart swing arms pivotally mount the enclosure to the structure, and allow the enclosure to be selectively moved to the extended or retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Frederick Broussard
  • Publication number: 20080290689
    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. A cable support system supports the slidable room during movement of the slideout unit. Sliding movement of the slideout unit is controlled by a drive mechanism separate from the cable support system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: NORCO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Bernard F. Garceau
  • Publication number: 20080265618
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Tomas D. Cadena, Jose J. Mercado
  • Patent number: 7374218
    Abstract: A slide-out drive member controllably moves a slide-out section that is associated with a vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, from a retracted position to an extended position. The slide-out drive member includes an inner driven member with embedded teeth with tips that are preferably substantially flush with a bottom surface of the inner driven member; and an outer member that houses the inner driven member along with a gear mechanism that engages with the teeth in the inner driven member to drive the inner driven member, thereby driving the slide-out section. The present slide-out tube overcomes the deficiencies of conventional slide-out tubes by driving the slide-out section in a smooth, uniform, even manner while providing a low profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Schneider
  • Patent number: 7370900
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: RBW Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ray W. Blodgett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7360821
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Kunz
  • Patent number: 7328927
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie R. Crean
  • Patent number: 7316439
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: Johnnie R. Crean
  • Patent number: 7309092
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Norco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard F. Garceau, James Young, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7258382
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Kunz, Brock E. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 7234758
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Gary D. Peter
  • Patent number: 7229123
    Abstract: A slide-out system for a recreational vehicle has a slide block that is form fit with a sliding connection to a track so as to vertically and laterally support a slide-out room relative to the stationary portion of the vehicle. The room is driven in and out by a rack and pinion drive and a synchronizing screw is provided at at least one end of the drive shaft so that two spaced apart slide-out units can be synchronized relative to one another and to ease disassembly of the shafts and motor drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Kunz
  • Patent number: 7226116
    Abstract: A mobile recreational vehicle includes a body enclosing a living area designed to serve as self-contained living quarters during recreational travel. The body is supported on at least one pair of wheels (and often two or more pairs). The vehicle includes a ceiling assembly, a floor assembly; and an elongated and adjustable ceiling support extending between the ceiling assembly and the floor assembly wherein the height of the support can be adjusted during installation. In some instances, the vehicle has a shortened full length slide-out to allow for additional sidewall ceiling support, and in some instances has a slide-out opening that has cambered upper edges to minimize sagging the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Jones
  • Patent number: 7188889
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Garefree/Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventors: Robert Wagner, Scott W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7163257
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Girard Systems
    Inventor: Robert G. Heitel
  • Patent number: 7100967
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Brian J. Shea
  • Patent number: 7083213
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie R. Crean
  • Patent number: 7077458
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Dometic Corporation
    Inventors: Dale G. Malott, Michael Hicks
  • Patent number: 7066528
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle having a slide-out housing, wherein the slide-out housing may be positioned in either a retracted or deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the slide-out housing extends outwardly from a main housing of the recreational vehicle so as to enlarge the living space within the main housing. In the retracted configuration, the slide-out housing extends inwardly into the main housing so as to reduce the living space within the main housing. In various embodiments, the slide-out housing is lifted prior to retraction and lowered after deployment so that the floor of the slide-out housing aligns with the floor of the main housing. In other various embodiments, vertical movement of the slide-out housing may occur during retraction and deployment. Moreover, the recreational vehicle may utilize a vertical actuating assembly, as disclosed herein, that is adapted to engage with the slide-out housing to thereby lift and lower the slide-out housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie R. Crean
  • Patent number: 7052065
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a slide-out compartment and a sliding mechanism which is used to move the slide-out compartment between an extended position and a retracted position. The sliding mechanism uses a guide member, a sliding member, and a gear to move the slide-out compartment between the extended position and the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Happijac Company
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7052064
    Abstract: A quick-release mechanism that allows a motor to be quickly and easily released from a motorized activation assembly to activate a sliding mechanism thereby extending or retracting a slide-out compartment of a recreational vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Happijac Company
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen