Abstract: A slide-out unit drive assembly for a vehicle body having an opening formed in an exterior wall and a reciprocable slide-out unit disposed in the opening and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. Sliding movement of the slide-out unit is controlled by the drive assembly at least partially arranged within the jambs. The drive assembly may include one or more drive cables extending connected to the slide-out. The drive assembly may include drive chain that actuates one or more of the drive cables, or the drive assembly may include a drive nut that actuates one or more of the drive cables, or the drive assembly may include a block and tackle assembly that actuates one or more of the drive cables. Sliding movement of the slide-out unit may be either motor driven or manually powered.

Abstract: Rack-and-pinion sliding support mechanisms and mechanical elements thereof are disclosed. One or more shafts are coupled to pinions configured to engage with one or more racks and configured to be driven by one or more motors. The rack and pinion are configured to provide vertical and horizontal displacement to reduce premature component wear leading to poor gear mesh caused to by forces on the mechanism during use. Motor assembly in such support mechanism is modified—as compared to current industrial versions—to prevent the destruction of motor—assembly housing by torques generated by the one or more motors and transferred to the pinions, thereby reducing motor failures.

Abstract: This invention refers to a mobile room, which is designed to expand its interior spaces through a mechanism driven by a motor, which can be used as an auditorium or conference room, and can be installed temporarily in areas where there are no rooms or conventional audiences.

Abstract: A cable-operated mechanism for actuating a slide-out room includes a column, an endless chain loop disposed with the column, first and second drive blocks engaged with the chain loop, and first through fourth cables attached at first ends thereof to the drive blocks. The cables are attached at second ends thereof to inboard and outboard ends of a slide out room. Operation of the chain loop in a first direction tensions the cables attached to the inboard end of the room and slackens the cables attached to the outboard end. Operation of the chain loop in a second direction has the opposite effect.

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 transport vehicle for piece goods includes a loading platform, a front end wall or a rear end wall or both a front end wall and rear end wall, and at least one side wall. The side wall is movable by an opening device in such a manner that the side wall is first displaceable in the vertical direction of the transport vehicle and is then pivotable about an axis oriented in the longitudinal direction of the transport vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus turns a front wheel of a vehicle inward during an offset frontal impact. The apparatus includes a first frame rail and a second frame rail spaced from each other. A bumper is supported by the first and second frame rails. A beam extends between and engages the first and second frame rails. The beam includes an extension extending from the first frame rail away from the second frame rail to a first end spaced from the first frame rail for being positioned forward of the front wheel and for being forced into the front wheel during the offset frontal impact.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a slide-out room disposed in an aperture of a side wall of a vehicle from a retracted position to an extended position in a drive direction. The apparatus includes a drive assembly supported by the side wall of the vehicle and a driven assembly driven by the drive assembly. The driven assembly is connected to a wall of the slide-out room such that the slide-out room moves with the driven assembly from the retracted position to the extended position in the drive direction and the driven assembly is movable in a transverse direction generally perpendicular to the drive direction relative to the wall of the slide-out room.

Abstract: A number of illustrative variations may include a dynamically expandable cargo bed for a vehicle.

Abstract: A resilient seal for mobile living quarters around a slide out room that includes a pair of mounting portions extending along the inside and outside surfaces of the main living area wall at an aperture through which the slide out room moves and further includes a connecting member extending between the attaching members and along the edge of the wall defining the aperture. A wiper seal extends from the connecting member to flex against the walls of the slide out room, and the mounting portion further includes a lip seal for accommodating walls of different thicknesses.

Abstract: An expandable vehicle chassis, said chassis comprising: a frame; at least two opposing support arms movably attached to said frame; a drive shaft attached to said frame and operably attached to each of said at least two opposing support arms; an actuator mechanically attached to said drive shaft; and a plurality of gear mechanisms generally disposed along an axis parallel to said drive shaft, said gear mechanisms operably attached to said drive shaft such that said actuator engages said drive shaft and said drive shaft engages said gear mechanisms to simultaneously move apart said at least two support arms in opposing directions.

Abstract: A cover affixed to an expansion room of a recreational vehicle (RV) to cover and seal a gap in between the expansion room and a wall of the RV. The cover has a transverse wall to attach to the expansion room. The cover may have one or two bulb seals, and/or a flat seal affixed to the cover and/or the transverse wall to improve the seal against the wall of the RV. An end abutting the wall of the RV may be curved towards the RV to further cover the gap. A secondary cover may be used to cover any exposed fasteners. A plurality of covers may be provided so that when the expansion room is against the wall of the RV, the plurality of covers form an attractive covering frame between the RV and the walls of the expansion room.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus to assist in parking a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a housing coupled to the vehicle and at least one laser coupled to the housing. The laser emanates light that impinges on a surface peripheral to the vehicle. The light indicates a target on the surface and a proximity to a boundary.

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.

Abstract: A seal assembly for sealing an interface between a structure having a side wall having an opening therein and a slide-out compartment that may be extended and retracted through the opening includes a first channel attached to the side wall and a complementary second channel attached to the compartment. The first channel includes a pair of wiper seals. The second channel is movable with respect to the first channel such that a flange of the second channel may be received within an interior of the first channel in engagement with the pair of wiper seals.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a slide-out room disposed in an aperture of a side wall of a vehicle from a retracted position to an extended position in a drive direction. The apparatus includes a drive assembly supported by the side wall of the vehicle and a driven assembly driven by the drive assembly. The driven assembly is connected to a wall of the slide-out room such that the slide-out room moves with the driven assembly from the retracted position to the extended position in the drive direction and the driven assembly is movable in a transverse direction generally perpendicular to the drive direction relative to the wall of the slide-out room.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a slide-out room disposed in an aperture of a side wall of a vehicle from a retracted position to an extended position in a drive direction. The apparatus includes a drive assembly supported by the side wall of the vehicle within the aperture, and the drive assembly includes a prime mover having a brake engagable to inhibit unintentional movement of the slide-out room. A driven assembly is driven by the drive assembly. The driven assembly is connected to a wall of the slide-out room such that the slide-out room moves with the driven assembly from the retracted position to the extended position in the drive direction.

Abstract: An adjustable accessory support assembly for a motorcycle accessory includes a base connectable to a support bracket mounted on a motorcycle and a slider accessory connectable to the motorcycle accessory and coupled to the base. The slider assembly is configured to transition from a first, locked configuration to a second, unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, relative movement between the slider assembly and the base is prevented, whereas in the unlocked configuration, the slider assembly is moveable relative to the base to allow the motorcycle accessory to be repositioned relative to the support bracket.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a slide-out room disposed in an aperture of a side wall of a vehicle from a retracted position to an extended position in a drive direction. The apparatus includes a drive assembly supported by the side wall of the vehicle and a driven assembly driven by the drive assembly. The driven assembly is connected to a wall of the slide-out room such that the slide-out room moves with the driven assembly from the retracted position to the extended position in the drive direction and the driven assembly is movable in a transverse direction generally perpendicular to the drive direction relative to the wall of the slide-out room.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a slide-out room disposed in an aperture of a side wall of a vehicle from a retracted position to an extended position in a drive direction. The apparatus includes a drive assembly supported by the side wall of the vehicle and a driven assembly driven by the drive assembly. The driven assembly is connected to a wall of the slide-out room such that the slide-out room moves with the driven assembly from the retracted position to the extended position in the drive direction and the driven assembly is movable in a transverse direction generally perpendicular to the drive direction relative to the wall of the slide-out room. The room is extended and retracted horizontally and moved between upper and lower positions vertically in a square Z or square h pattern.

Abstract: A storage box comprises a housing with open ends and a tray that slides out either open end and up to at least fifty percent or up to at least sixty percent of the length of the tray may slide out either open end. Latch members operable from either open end of the housing selectively hold the tray in a centered position and can be released to allow the tray to slide out a selected end of the housing. Multiple latch member mating members may be associated with the housing for selective engagement by the latch members to latch the tray in multiple extended positions between the centered position and fully retracted positions out either the first or second open ends. Latch engagement members mounted on the doors engage latches connecting the tray to the housing when the doors are shut to prevent the latches from becoming unlatched when the doors are shut.

Abstract: A slide-out system having a first and second slide-out assembly which are fixed to a first and second side of a slide-out room respectfully. Each assembly preferably includes an upper and lower gear rack fixed to the respective side of the slide-out room. An electric motor is connected to a drive gear that engages the top gear rack, driving movement of the slide-out room. This movement is distributed or synchronized with a lower portion of the room by an axle having a top gear engaged with the top gear rack and a bottom gear engaged with the bottom gear rack. Since the axle is not directly connected to the motor, it acts solely as a secondary synchronization mechanism between the top and bottom of the room.

Abstract: The present invention is a storage system for a pickup truck with an existing cap, topper or camper shell. The system is raised above the side panels of the pickup bed to utilize space that is wasted or unused. The system allows for cargo storage below. The system is capable of being used in a partial deployment, full deployment or stowed for future use. The system is anchored to the truck by four C clamps that secure the metal channels that support the panels of the invention. There are panels that slide securely into the metal channels affixing them to the channels. The user can now stow material above regular cargo utilizing space that was formerly wasted.

Abstract: A slide-room for installation in a recreational vehicle or other structure is disclosed. The slide-room comprises a shell, which can be constructed from fiberglass. The shell comprises an end wall, a ceiling, a floor, two opposing side walls, and a flange extending from the end wall, wherein the end wall, the ceiling, the floor, the side walls and the flange comprise a one-piece, unitary construction. Also disclosed are methods for molding composite components, such as slide-room. In one specific implementation, the shell for a slide-room is formed from fiberglass using a vacuum assisted resin transfer process.

Abstract: A flexible plumbing assembly for a vehicle having a main cabin portion with an extensible cabin portion that is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position includes a flexible hose having a fixed end connected to the fixed cabin portion and a moveable end connected to the movable cabin portion. The flexible plumbing assembly also includes a sliding structure for facilitating movement of the movable end with respect to the fixed end as the extensible cabin portion moves between the extended and retracted positions. The flexible hose and the sliding structure are disposed in a floor of the extensible cabin portion.

Abstract: A sliding retractable deck assembly is provided for use with recreational-type vehicles. The deck is adapted for use adjacent to and below the vehicle side door and is retractable by sliding back into place under the vehicle so as to be totally out of view and allow total use of vehicle door and all other components of said vehicle. A plurality of individually-adjustable ground-engaging leg members providing at least nine points of support for the deck thus allowing placement of the deck on uneven or sloping ground, while avoiding undue stressing of either the deck assembly or structural components of the vehicle.

Abstract: A slideout room leveling device for supporting and leveling a slideout room floor of a recreation vehicle. The device may have a base mounted to a threshold of the trailer frame and a support arm that has a friction reducing member mounted to the support arm. A spring member may be mounted on the base to assist in supporting and leveling the slideout room floor. The support arm of the slideout room supporting and leveling device may remain in continuous contact with the floor of a slideout room during extension and retraction in order to support and level the slideout room.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus to aid in parking a vehicle. The apparatus includes a mounting member, a horizontal member, a vertical member, and an indicator. The horizontal member is coupled to the mounting member. The horizontal member extends from the vehicle and defines a required distance from a side of the vehicle to a first periphery of a parking space. The vertical member is coupled to the horizontal member that defines a second periphery. The indicator is coupled to the vertical member such that the first periphery may be compared with the second periphery in aligning the vehicle within the parking space.

Abstract: A portable ice fishing shelter for providing an enclosed and expandable structure for ice fishing within. The ice fishing shelter generally includes a rigid primary enclosure having sidewalls, a roof, and a base to form a first interior space, wherein the base forms an inverted U-shaped raised center portion to accommodate a seat within and allow for smoother pulling below. The primary enclosure also has a side opening extending through at least one of the sidewalls for a rigid extendable enclosure. The extendable enclosure includes an open bottom and extends from a perimeter of the side opening and is movably connected thereto. The extendable enclosure is adapted to move between a refracted position during storage or transport and an extended position during use, wherein a second interior space is formed to accommodate one or more angling holes. A tow hitch and glide members may also extend from the primary enclosure.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A slide-room for installation in a recreational vehicle or other structure is disclosed. The slide-room comprises a shell, which can be constructed from fiberglass. The shell comprises an end wall, a ceiling, a floor, two opposing side walls, and a flange extending from the end wall, wherein the end wall, the ceiling, the floor, the side walls and the flange comprise a one-piece, unitary construction. Also disclosed are methods for molding composite components, such as slide-room. In one specific implementation, the shell for a slide-room is formed from fiberglass using a vacuum assisted resin transfer process.

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 drive system for an expandable enclosure having a slide out, the drive system including a first guide, a second guide spaced from the first guide, a drive wheel supported between the first and second guides and inward thereof, and a belt operatively engaging the drive wheel and having a first end and a second end, where the first end extends outward from the drive wheel and over the first guide and the second end extends outward from the drive wheel and over the second guide, each of the ends being attachable to the slide out, where the drive wheel is rotatable to move the belt to move the slide out.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a slide-out room disposed in an aperture of a side wall of a vehicle from a retracted position to an extended position in a drive direction. The apparatus includes a drive assembly supported by the side wall of the vehicle and a driven assembly driven by the drive assembly. The driven assembly is connected to a wall of the slide-out room such that the slide-out room moves with the driven assembly from the retracted position to the extended position in the drive direction and the driven assembly is movable in a transverse direction generally perpendicular to the drive direction relative to the wall of the slide-out room.

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.

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.

Abstract: This invention relates to load bed for a vehicle, and in particular to a load bed adapted to carry elongate articles upon the public roads. The load bed could for example be the trailer of an articulated vehicle, or it could be part of a rigid truck, as desired. The load bed (214) has a set of retaining posts along the longitudinal sides of the bed, and at least one platform (224) is mounted upon the load bed and is movable between a stowed condition and an in use condition, the retaining posts being between the load bed and the platform in its in use condition.

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.

Abstract: A portable ice fishing shelter for providing an enclosed and expandable structure for ice fishing within. The ice fishing shelter generally includes a rigid primary enclosure having sidewalls, a roof, and a base to form a first interior space, wherein the base forms an inverted U-shaped raised center portion to accommodate a seat within and allow for smoother pulling below. The primary enclosure also has a side opening extending through at least one of the sidewalls for a rigid extendable enclosure. The extendable enclosure includes an open bottom and extends from a perimeter of the side opening and is movably connected thereto. The extendable enclosure is adapted to move between a retracted position during storage or transport and an extended position during use, wherein a second interior space is formed to accommodate one or more angling holes. A tow hitch and glide members may also extend from the primary enclosure.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting a freight container is comprised of a frame having a front frame section which is adapted to be coupled to a suitable road vehicle. A pair of displaceable horizontal side beams are secured to the front frame section and are provided with a hingeable rear gate formed by a pair of hinge arms. Each of the side beams has a suspension assembly to support a tandem wheel arrangement. Retractable vertical lifting piston cylinders are secured to a portion of the front frame and to the pair of hinge arms and are actuable to lift the pair of horizontal side beams and its wheels above a ground surface. Laterally extendable piston cylinders are also secured to the front frame and the hinge arms to displace the horizontal side beams outwardly and inwardly with respect to one another when lifted off the ground surface.

Abstract: A slide-room for installation in a recreational vehicle or other structure is disclosed. The slide-room comprises a shell, which can be constructed from fiberglass. The shell comprises an end wall, a ceiling, a floor, two opposing side walls, and a flange extending from the end wall, wherein the end wall, the ceiling, the floor, the side walls and the flange comprise a one-piece, unitary construction. Also disclosed are methods for molding composite components, such as slide-room. In one specific implementation, the shell for a slide-room is formed from fiberglass using a vacuum assisted resin transfer process.

Abstract: A slide-out room system for a vehicle includes a slide-out room movably connected to the vehicle and at least four room slides supported by the vehicle and operable to move the slide-out room relative to the vehicle. A first of the four room slides is disposed in a first quadrant of the slide-out room, a second of the four room slides is disposed in a second quadrant of the slide-out room, a third of the four room slides is disposed in a third quadrant of the slide-out room, and a fourth of the four room slides is disposed in a fourth quadrant of the slide-out room. The system further includes a controller operatively connected to each of the four room slides for independently controlling the motion of the four room slides and synchronizing the motion of the four room slides to move the quadrants in concert with one another.

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 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 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.

Abstract: A vehicle slide out comprising a pair of first members mountable parallel to each other within a towed vehicle frame, a pair of second members, each cooperatively engaged with a respective first member, each second member having a plurality of holes disposed lengthwise along a side, a motive member serially engageable with the plurality of holes, a threaded member connected to the second member and having a proximal threadably adjustable first stop and a distal threadably adjustable second stop, a position of the first stop and the second stop adjustable by an adjuster disposed at a proximal end of the threaded member, and the first stop and the second stop disposed to contact the towed vehicle frame.

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.