Abstract: A lift for a top of a travel trailer includes flexible push-pull elements extending from a centrally mounted actuator unit thorough flexible and bendable guide conduits to outer end fittings adjacent corner jacks for raising and lowering the top. The guide conduits are connected to L-shaped guide members of outer end fittings disposed in alignment with the jacks. The L-shaped members are mounted for swivelling movement around vertical legs thereof to facilitate alignment with the flexible guide conduits and assembly of the parts.

Abstract: A system varies space of a vehicle having a first portion with occupiable space and a number of ground engaging wheels coupled to the first portion. A second occupiable portion is coupled to the first portion and configured to move relative thereto to adjust volume of an occupiable living space defined by both portions. A pair of support arms are coupled to the first portion which each have a bearing member engaging a guide of the second portion. Each bearing member is permitted to move relative to an axis perpendicular to an axis of travel of the second portion to relieve stress from forces acting on the system which are nonparallel to the axis of travel. The arms are positioned by an operator controlled positioning mechanism. In another system, an arrangement of telescoping arms is disclosed for positioning a first occupiable portion relative to a second occupiable portion. This arrangement includes an operator positioning mechanism with a rotatable member formed from a self-lubricating polymeric material.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending and retracting one structure with respect to another which utilizes a pivoting mechanism rather than the standard linear mechanisms known in the art. The mechanism further utilizes a torsion bar connected between the distal ends of the actuator for synchronizing the movement of the actuators to prevent binding and twisting. A first embodiment utilizes a flat chain and a pair of circular guides to maintain the torsion bar in a horizontal plane, while a second embodiment of the invention utilizes a four-bar linkage system.

Abstract: An interior arrangement used in an expandable room structure includes a first room section having a stationary floor with an upper surface. A second room section is movable relative to the first section between a retracted position and an extended position to expand the interior volume of the vehicle, and the second room section has a floor with a top surface. A pair of substantially parallel outer rails is provided for supporting the first room section, and a pair of substantially parallel inner rails is provided for supporting the second room section. Each of the inner rails is slidably mounted for longitudinal movement relative to one of the outer rails. An operating mechanism selectively moves the inner rails relative to the outer rails to extend and retract the second room section relative to the first room section.

Abstract: A retractable awning which finds a particular use on recreational vehicles, mobile homes or the like having slide-out units is mounted on the side of the vehicle and has longitudinally extensible support arms that support a roll bar having the outer edge of an awning sheet secured thereto with the inner edge being secured to the side wall of the vehicle. The awning is movable between a retracted position adjacent to the side wall of the vehicle and an extended position with the support arms being biased toward their extended position with internal gas springs so that initial movement of the awning from the retracted to the extended position allows the support arms to automatically longitudinally extend providing a large arc for the roll bar which allows it to clear or extend above and beyond an extended slide-out unit.

Abstract: A vehicle for providing adjustable occupant space has a fixed occupiable section defining a first interior space. The fixed occupiable section includes a number of ground engaging wheels and has a floor affixed to a number of walls. Also included is an expandable occupiable section moveably coupled to the fixed section which also has a floor fixed to at least one wall. The expandable section defines a second interior space intersecting the first interior space which is moveable relative to the first interior space to vary an amount of total living space defined by the fixed and expandable sections. A carriage for supporting the expandable section and selectively positioning it relative to the fixed section is included to adjust volume of the living space defined by both sections. This carriage includes at least one arm pivotably anchored to the first section which engages the expandable section in a load bearing relationship.

Abstract: A synchronization device for use on recreational vehicles having slide out rooms that keeps the slide out room properly aligned with the frame of the recreational vehicle in order to ensure smooth operation. The device of the present invention includes a pair of elongated extensible members that connect the moveable frame to the fixed frame. Each of the members includes an inner end pivotally mounted to the fixed frame and an outer end pivotally mounted to the moveable frame, with the extensible members being shiftable between a folded, shortened position and an unfolded, extended position as the slide out room is extended. Each extensible member includes a hollow outer leg an extensible inner leg that is telescopically disposed within the outer leg. A pinion interconnects the extensible members and synchronizes the extension and retraction of the inner legs relative to the outer legs, and also synchronizes the folding or unfolding of the extensible members.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for an expandable vehicle slide-out section includes a pair of inner rail members, each being slidably supported in an outer rail member secured to the vehicle body. Each of the inner rail members has an outer end attachable to the slide-out section. A power drive arrangement includes a drive shaft operably connected with the inner rail members to synchronize travel of each of the inner rail members. The power drive arrangement includes an integral motor-brake having a conveniently accessible release mechanism for selectively releasing engagement of the brake with the drive shaft. A manual override system is adjustably mounted on the drive shaft to extend and retract the slide-out section when the brake is released, should the power drive arrangement become inoperable.

Abstract: A system varies space of a vehicle having a fixed portion and a number of ground engaging wheels coupled to the fixed portion. An expandable portion coupled to the fixed portion moves along a first axis relative to the fixed portion to vary volume of a living space defined by both portions. A pair of moveable, load bearing arms are each coupled to the fixed portion and each have a bearing member that contacts the expandable portion. The bearing member of each of the arms moves relative to both portions along a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis during varying of the living space. Another housing system includes an enclosure with a pair of walls that may be selectively coupled together by a latch. In one form, this latch includes a pair of guide rails fixed to one of the walls that define a channel therebetween. One of the rails defines a first notch intersecting the channel. A projection extends from the other wall which defines a second notch.

Abstract: A slide-out mechanism for selectively extending and retracting a slide-out room through a slide-out room opening in a wall which automatically levels or aligns the slide-out room relative to the slide-out room opening in the wall comprises at least one stationary member, a retractable member slidably secured to the stationary member, and a threshold bracket for securing and supporting a front end of the stationary member on an upper surface of a portion of the wall defining a lower edge of the slide-out room opening. A support leg is preferably secured to a rear end of the stationary member for supporting the rear end thereof. The support leg is preferably height adjustable to permit leveling of the rear end of the stationary member relative to the front end.

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.

Abstract: A fold down-expandable camper shell that collapses to a very small unit for storage. The collapsed unit is only slightly larger than a standard pick-up camper shell, auto top or boat cabin, yet when open, the camper body has normal standing headroom. The unit has a push out queen size bed that is set up above the cab, leaving the living area completely open. An air mattress and bedding, that are normally carried on the bed frame can be extended and filled, ready to use. Extension bars, that are joined by cables, can extend outward on both sides of the vehicle, to create an area for bunk beds or storage shelves while cooking, etc. A soft canvas type covering is attached to the unit so that it is sealed and protected from the elements. Windows and screens can be added for viewing and for airflow as desired.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending and retracting one structure with respect to another which utilizes a pivoting mechanism rather than the standard linear mechanisms known in the art. The mechanism further utilizes a torsion bar connected between the distal ends of the actuator for synchronizing the movement of the actuators to prevent binding and twisting. A first embodiment utilizes a flat chain and a pair of circular guides to maintain the torsion bar in a horizontal plane, while a second embodiment of the invention utilizes a four-bar linkage system.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for an expandable vehicle slide-out section includes a pair of inner rail members, each being slidably supported in an outer rail member secured to the vehicle body. Each of the inner rail members has an outer end attachable to the slide-out section. A power drive arrangement includes a drive shaft operably connected with the inner rail members to synchronize travel of each of the inner rail members. The power drive arrangement includes an integral motor-brake having a rotatable output shaft and a brake for positively stopping rotation of the output shaft and for preventing its further movement until released, so as to enable the slide-out section to be positioned between fully extended and fully retracted positions. A manual override system is adjustably mounted on the drive shaft to extend and retract the slide-out section should the power drive arrangement become inoperable.

Abstract: A mobile housing is provided with a plurality of telescopic standards mounted on a base for movably supporting the top of the mobile housing between a lowered position and a raised position relative to the base. A first pair and a second pair of slidable pistons are mounted in the base for simultaneous movement between a first position and a second position, the movement of each of the pair of pistons being substantially parallel and in opposite directions to one another. A first pair and a second pair of tubes, are provided with longitudinally extending slots and a flexible conduit extends from each of the tubes to one of the standards. Each of the tubes of the first pair and each of the tubes of the second pair are disposed in spaced parallel relationship to each other between the first and the second positions.

Abstract: A structure having an interior living space, an optional cab for operation of a propulsion system, and at least one expanding chamber. Each chamber is a box with one open wall. The structure may be a towable trailer, a recreational vehicle body on a truck chassis, or a motorized recreational vehicle, or a trailer with a support system instead of wheels for stationary use, or a fixed building on a foundation. The structure's living space is open at the interface with a respective expansion chamber. For use, a stowed chamber moves from within the structure, between its outer walls, to an expanded position external of the structure. A pair of cantilevered deployable rails are moved, prior in time to a chamber exodus, outwardly from beneath the structure to support the chamber to be expanded.

Abstract: An extendible slideout room having a roof, floor, and sidewalls is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position within a lateral wall of a vehicle such as a motorhome, a boat, or virtually any type of trailer. In the retracted position, the roof, floor and two side walls of the slideout room are disposed within the vehicle, with a third outer side wall positioned in sealed contact with the vehicle's lateral wall about the periphery of the slideout room. When extended, the slideout room's roof, floor and sidewalls project outwardly from the vehicle's lateral wall in sealed contact with the vehicle's wall. Elongated screws rotationally coupled to the slideout room's outer side wall at their respective distal ends are inserted through respective threaded fittings fixedly attached to the vehicle's lateral wall, with each screw disposed adjacent a respective corner of the room.

Abstract: A coach, having an interior living space, which coach has at least one and no more than two expansion chambers. Each expansion chamber is formed as a box having top, side and bottom walls and one rear or front wall. The coach may be a trailer, an RV body disposed upon a truck chassis, or a recreational vehicle having a self-contained propulsion system. The coach may have instead of wheels as a support system, a series of vertical jacks or other support mechanism to thereby render the coach suitable for use as an office or an industrial facility. The coach features a spaced inner and outer wall construction and which may have no closing wall at the position at which the chamber is disposed. The chamber is adapted such that its sidewalls when in the retracted position are disposed between the inner and outer sidewalls of the living space.

Abstract: A scissors actuated slide-out apparatus including a slidably expandable and retractable slide-out frame cooperating with a parent RV main frame to form a drive compartment into which is mounted a powered scissors drive mechanism including a plurality of scissors linkages pivotally joined with a drive screw interposed between opposing pivots such that rotation of the screw expands or retracts the scissors thereby expanding or retracting the slide-out. The drive mechanisms' extruded nature enables relatively simple installation and removal as well as cost efficient maintenance thereof.

Abstract: An expansion linkage effects nearly perfectly straight translation of an ansion module relative to a trailer. The linkage has two relatively longer cross arms pivoted together at their intersection. One cross arm is additionally pivoted at its mount to the trailer and the other cross arm is additionally pivoted at its mount to the module. At opposite ends from the mounts, the cross arms have relatively shorter linkage arms pivoted thereto. The linkage arm pivoted to the trailer-mounted cross arm also pivotally connects to the module, and the linkage arm pivoted to the module-mounted cross arm also pivotally connects to the trailer. The intersection of the cross arms is 2/3 to 3/4 the distance from pivot axes at the cross arms' mount ends to pivot axes at the cross arms' opposite ends.

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. Lateral movement of one of the tubes is permitted by engagement with an inclined surface extending out of the other tube such that the laterally moving tube pivots about the pinion. 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.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively extending and withdrawing a trailer slide-out portion includes first and second rails, each slidably supported in a channel mounted underneath the trailer body. The outer ends of the rails are attached to the underside of the slide-out portion. A sheave driven by a reversible motor is mounted between the channels. First and second cables are wrapped around the sheave, the first cable having its ends attached to the first rail, and the second cable having its ends attached to the second rail. A pulley assembly supports each of the cables as it passes from the sheave to its respective rail. The cables, in conjunction with the pulley assemblies, translate the rotation of the sheave into longitudinal motion of the rails through the channels. Thus, sheave rotation in a first direction causes the cables to pull the rails outwardly, extending the slide-out, while sheave rotation in the opposite direction causes the cables to pull the rails inwardly, withdrawing the slide-out.

Abstract: A slidable room having an improved slide-out assembly and an improved liquid sealing assembly at an interface between an opening in the recreational vehicle and an exterior wall of the room is provided. The slide-out assembly includes a stationary main frame assembly having a pair of support members held in a fixed parallel relationship, a single transmission mechanism fixedly interposed between the support members, and a slidable support assembly slidably retained in the pair of support members for extending and contracting the room. The liquid sealing assembly is disposed around the interface between the slidable room and the opening in the recreational vehicle's exterior wall. A first flange member is affixed to a top edge and side edges of the slidable room's exterior wall. A second complementary flange member is affixed to a top edge and side edges of the opening in the recreational vehicle.

Abstract: A retractable awning for use on mobile homes, recreational vehicles or the like having slide-out units as a part thereof includes an awning sheet that is secured along an inner edge to the side of the mobile home with the opposite edge being secured to a torsionally biased roll bar rotatably disposed on the outer ends of support arms pivotally mounted to the outer face of the slide-out unit. A flexible tie-down strap secures the awning in an extended position with the support arms projecting substantially horizontally away from the outer wall, and upon release of the tie-down strap, the awning automatically retracts to a position immediately adjacent to the outer wall of the slide-out unit. The awning sheet always overlies the top wall of the slide-out unit when the slide-out unit is extended and regardless of whether or not the awning is extended or retracted.

Abstract: A unit is described comprising a towable wheeled undercarriage upon which is mounted a unit having four independent rooms, each of which is collapsed for towing and which can be greatly extended in volume both horizontally and vertically for use. The four rooms have a common corner at the center of the unit. Each room includes a slide out section slidable beyond the sides of the undercarriage and an inner section that is attached to the floor. The slide out sections can be extended simultaneously until their roofs lock to a main roof over the fixed inner room sections. All roofs and their attached, telescoped, upper room walls can be raised simultaneously by a single drive device, such as a hydraulic cylinder, at the center of the main roof at the common corner of the rooms. With the rooms extended and the vertically extending rooms telescoped up, four large, private, independent, solid-walled, rooms with separate exterior doors are created. The undercarriage is mounted on four wheels on two axles.

Abstract: The invention is an extendable compartment apparatus installed in a vehicle in such a manner that a platform can be cantilevered out from the vehicle body on an interlocking rail and bearing system. The apparatus includes a glidable platform, channel section stationary rails and angle section glidable rails. The glidable rails move along bearings which are located at the outermost end of the stationary rails and at the innermost end of the glidable rails, respectively. The glidable rails are limited in their movement such that they remain within the stationary structure along approximately one-third of their length. The platform can be mechanized using a DC motor and a rack-and-pinion gear system or worm gear. Finally, the glidable platform can be enclosed using side walls, a back wall, and a roof and thereby made weatherproof for use in combination with a camper vehicle.

Abstract: A hunter's blind having hinged walls which may be fastened together when in a vertical position and compactly stored when in a horizontal position, a connecting roof, ball rollers cooperating with openings in leg sections to raise and lower the hunter's blind, stabilizing cables being payed out and taken up simultaneously with the raising and lowerig of the hunter's blind, and controls located within the hunter's blind to enable the user to control the raising and lowering of the hunter's blind and the deployment of the stabilizing cables while remaining within the blind.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expanding caravan comprising first and second modules wherein the caravan has a contracted condition in which the second module is received by the first module and an expanded condition in which the second module is displaced relative to the first module to increase the usable floor space.

Abstract: A volume-changeable van compartment including an outer wall and an inner wall wherein four hydraulic cylinders are disposed on the inner wall to lift/lower the outer wall, and an equilibration mechanism for keeping the hydraulic cylinders operating at same speed, and a locking mechanism for locking up the outer wall at a certain height, a plurality of vertical male rails being evenly disposed on the outer wall and a plurality of corresponding female rails being disposed on the inner wall whereby the hydraulic cylinders can operate to lift/lower the outer wall for enlarging the volume of the van compartment, on two sides of each of the female rails being formed a groove whereby a wall board can be disposed between two adjacent female rails to form a portion of the inner wall.

Abstract: A motor home has a rear, extensible room portion that does not require ground support. The extensible room portion comprises a rear wall, roof portion, and a pair of sidewalls having integral top extensions extending over 40% forwardly of the extensible room portion and serving as lever arms.

Abstract: An expandable vehicle sleeping compartment is mounted to an exterior side wall of a vehicle at an opening in the vehicle, extending and retracting horizontally therefrom when expanded. An inflatable air mattress and sleeping bag are disposed within the compartment upon expandable support structure and within a canopy. Access to the expanded compartment is through the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mobile unit comprises a lorry trailer having side wall portions which pivot down to form an enlarged floor and upwardly-slidable panels or frames from which unfold side-roof portions, e.g. canopies or pivotable panels.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly enabling the selective covering of an area such as the bed of a pickup truck of the like. The assembly includes a plurality of extendable and collapsible cover sections interconnected by an actuating system. The actuating system enables the rear cover section of the assembly to be pivoted to a collapsed or extended position by a pivoting structure having unique cam and leverage characteristics. The entire assembly can be selectively power operated or locked into position using a clutch mechanism associated with the actuation system. The enclosure assembly affords simple and effective operation to provide for the convenient use of the truck bed or similar area.

Abstract: A camping conversion for motor vehicles having an open interior compartment. The conversion includes a floor panel supported by tracks and retractable beneath the vehicle floor, and an auxiliary pop-out compartment which protrudes from the side of the vehicle and is retractable into the vehicle interior. In the extended position, the auxiliary pop-out compartment rests on the extended floor panel. The auxiliary pop-out compartment has telescoping sidwalls which overlap one another when retracted to save interior space.

Abstract: A mobile bank teller unit includes a cabinet supported by a pair of main wheels having automatic brakes. Vertically adjustable caster pairs at each end provide sidewise mobility. The cabinet opens to form an enclosure for two tellers, each having complete bank transaction equipment. Two banking customers can be accommodated simultaneously. The unit closes into a compact, secure portable form.

Abstract: A removable canopy cover for an open truck bed. A cap having an inverted U-shaped rearwardly directed edge is provided over the front end of the bed, and a movable hoop having a forwardly directed edge is provided over the rear of the truck bed. The inwardly directed edges of the side walls, cap and hoop are channeled to receive the conforming edges of a multiple panel cover. The panels are foldable for compact storage and when unfolded, conform to the corresponding inwardly directed edges of the cap, hoop and side walls. The rear hoop is moved rearwardly, the cover positioned at the edges of the cap and the side walls, and the hoop pushed forward to trap and interconnect the cover as between the side walls, cap and hoop. A locking member in the form of a support bar extends between the hoop and cap. The support bar telescopes to permit the rearward movement of the hoop and includes a lock member that locks the bar against telescoping as desired.

Abstract: A collapsible camper top for pick-up trucks which is characterized by multiple nesting and telescoping sections which are sealed by bottom and top reverse curved, rubber seal members and are adapted to extend and cove the bed of a pick-up truck. The number of nesting sections which are used is dictated by the length of the pick-up truck bed and the sections are nested and retracted in accordion-like fashion inside a fixed section to expose the bed of the pick-up truck for hauling purposes. In a preferred embodiment the nesting sections are mounted on rollers which operate in plate slots provided in roller plates carried by the side rails of the pick-up truck. In another preferred embodiment the nesting sections are extended and retracted by means of a chain drive system which is operated by an electric motor or is capable of hand-operation by a crank.

Abstract: Mobile lodging, including a vehicular body for a trailer and having a plurality of adjacent sleeping cabins with dimensions that can be reduced for transport. Each sleeping cabin includes a fixed portion and a sleeping element extending in a longitudinal direction and containing at least one bed. The sleeping element is slidable in a longitudinal direction in the fixed portion between an open configuration in which the fixed portion contains an open aisle region located longitudinally behind the bed and a closed configuration in which the sleeping element totally occupies the aisle region. The aisle region of each sleeping cabin is directly laterally accessible from the sleeping element of the immediately laterally adjacent sleeping cabin.

Abstract: A vehicle for displaying goods comprises a main body having opposite side walls and a display subbody provided toward at least one of the side walls. The subbody is open toward the interior of the main body and internally provided with a display rack. By a hydraulic cylinder, the subbody can be held in a position projected outward beyond the side wall of the main body when giving a display but, during running, is housed in the main body with its side wall substantially flush with the main body side wall.

Abstract: A cover apparatus for the cargo bed of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck (11), travel trailer and the like, comprising a top (13) and a mechanism (15) for raising and lowering the top is disclosed. The top may comprise a structurally stiff planar sheet suitable for supporting a relatively large storage container (121) affixed to the lower surface thereof; or, a relatively lightweight, low silhouette camper top (17) of the type commonly mounted on the side walls surrounding the bed of a pickup truck. The raising and lowering mechanism (15) comprises telescoping columns (31)--one located in each of the four corners of the cargo bed. Horizontal frame members (41, 43, 45) support the telescoping columns (31) in a vertical position. A driven shaft (69) extends between one pair of columns and is chain coupled to a parallel shaft (81) that extends between the other pair of columns.

Abstract: A camping bed for station wagons is comprised of paired, upstanding frame elements which extend between the tailgate door and the rear seat of the station wagon and are separated by a spacer member at their bottom edges so that they are located against the inner side walls of the station wagon. A rear pillow, which spans between the upper edges of the frame elements is divided into front and rear portions, each of which is pivotally mounted to the frame elements by hinges. Accordingly, each portion can be independently raised for access to materials which are stored beneath it. Located beneath the rear portion, which generally covers the well of the station wagon, is a drawer unit that is slidably mounted on tracks. Therefore, by sliding the drawer unit outwardly through the station wagon tailgate door, access to the well is available.

Abstract: A telescoping vehicle extension for mounting on a vehicle, the vehicle extension being receivable over the vehicle with the walls of the vehicle extension outwardly of the walls of the vehicle to define storage spaces therebetween, pivotal floor members for the vehicle extension being selectively disposable within the storage spaces, and tables and beds being pivotally carried by the walls of the vehicle extension and storable within the storage spaces.

Abstract: A removable and foldable camper module as provided which converts a utility vehicle, such as a van, into a recreational vehicle. The camper module includes kitchen cabinets and storage area with bench type seats attached to the opposite side of the kitchen area. When the module is collapsed, it can be easily removed from the van by two people. In the expanded mode, the module provides the necessary fixtures that one would have in a recreational vehicle, but still allows mobility by the person using it. For storage and handling, the camper module folds in the center forming a compact rectangular package.