Telescoping Sub And Main Enclosures Patents (Class 52/67)
  • Patent number: 7293814
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle having a fixed room and a slide-out room which extends and retracts relative to the fixed room. The fixed room includes a floor section, sidewall sections, and a roof section, and the slide-out room includes a floor section, sidewall sections, and a roof section. A slide-out extension mechanism extends and retracts the slide-out room in a cantilevered manner. In a fully retracted position, the roof section and two of the sidewall sections of the slide-out room are typically concealed from exterior view, and a third sidewall section of the slide-out room forms a portion of the sidewall section of the fixed room. Furthermore, the floor section of the slide-out room is flush with the floor section of the fixed room, and proximal ends of the sidewall sections of the slide-out room are flush with an inner surface of one of the sidewall sections of the fixed room when the slide-out room is fully extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: RBW Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Willis Blodgett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7290372
    Abstract: A container, especially intended for use as a workroom, with an adjustable volume includes a base container with a floor panel and a roof panel, and at least one box-shaped expansion element that can be extended from the base container. The expansion element includes a floor panel, a roof panel, a side that is open to the base container, a front panel that is opposite the open side, and two side panels. The container further includes a device with which a box-shaped expansion element can be lowered, such that, once the expansion element has been extended, the floor panels of the expansion element and the base container are at the same height, and with which an expansion element can be raised such that, once the expansion element has been lowered, it can be reinserted into the base container. The roof panel of the box-shaped expansion element is designed to fold along a horizontal axis on the upper edge of the front panel of the expansion element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Aust, Heiner Koch
  • Patent number: 7290640
    Abstract: A functional compartment is provided in a building, a sliding frame is mounted in this compartment, connected with jack mechanisms; with the help of these mechanisms the sliding frame can slide beyond the outer limits of the building and back. Smooth and safe sliding of the frame is ensured by its supporting wheels sliding in guiding rails mounted in the surfaces of the functional compartment. The sliding frame is equipped in its front part, with a receiving panel with the right and left “pocket” guiders on it. The attachable section of the H-shaped rail is equipped with a mounting panel, with the similar square structure as of the receiving panel. The thickness of the mounting panel is less than a clearance between the “pocket” guiders and the outer surface of the receiving panel. The receiving panel is supplied with beveled guiding sides, and the mounting panel—with lower rounded corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventors: Pavel V. Korchagin, Marina E. Korchagina, Svetlana E. Tirskaya, Vladimir A. Bararushkin, Valeriy I. Nikitin
  • Patent number: 7263805
    Abstract: A low shelter swimming pool roof system is provided. The system can include, over a portion (P?) at least of its length, juxtaposed roof elements (I?) and juxtaposed roof elements (I). The distance that delimits the external chord of each of the longitudinal edges (220a?) and (220b?) of the roof elements (I?) resting on the support edge (S) of the pool and connected by two roof arcs (210?) can be shorter than the distance which delimits the internal chord of the two longitudinal edges (220a) and (220b) the roof elements (I) of the other portion (P) resting on the support edge (S) of the pool and connected by two roof bows (210). Such an arrangement enables the first portion (P?) of roof elements (I?) to be nested in the second portion (P) of relatively larger roof elements (I) thereby partially exposing the pool over a length corresponding to the displacement of the mobile portion (P?) of roof elements (I?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Abrisud
    Inventor: Serge Chapus
  • Patent number: 7210269
    Abstract: A slidable room assembly comprises a vehicle body having an opening formed in an exterior wall, and a reciprocable slideout unit or compartment disposed in the opening and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. Sliding movement of the slideout unit is controlled by means of a drive mechanism that includes two sets of cabling. The drive mechanism includes a frame installed about the opening in the vehicle body. The frame includes a header, a sill and two pre-assembled jambs. The pre-assembled jambs have a plurality of pulleys with a plurality of cables pre-installed inside the jambs around the pulleys. One end of the cables, attached to the slidable room, is pre-strung through a cable extension hole. The other end of the cables extends out an end of the jamb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Norco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard F. Garceau, James Young, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7150127
    Abstract: A partition system for office spaces generally includes a framework and a plurality of different types of decorative and/or functional tiles mountable to the framework. The framework includes I- and C-shaped vertical frame members which are adjustably joined by upper and lower horizontal spanners such that the distance between the vertical frame members is adjustable. Also, the framework may include other types of vertical frame members for forming L-, T-, or X-junctions within the partition system framework. A variety of decorative and functional tiles are mountable to the framework, including retractable workspace tiles, several types of storage tiles, display tiles, window tiles, and electrical and data services tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Underwood, Keith E. Metcalf, Ryan A. Herbig, J. Douglas Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7135035
    Abstract: An enclosure is provided generally in the form of a box which provides a controlled thermal environment for the occupant. The enclosure includes a horizontal base supporting four corner posts extending vertically up from the base, with a roof above the posts and parallel with the base. A rear wall extends in a vertical plane from the base up to the roof. A pair of side walls extend from the base up to the roof. The side walls preferably include surfaces to maximize maintenance of heat within the enclosure particularly near a position for an occupant's head. Thermal sources (i.e. incandescent light bulbs) are located within the enclosure to increase an amount of infrared radiation for heating within the enclosure. A width tuning system is provided to precisely position a distance of the side walls away from each other so that thermodynamic resonance between the side walls can be maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Walter F. Dimmick
  • Patent number: 7117646
    Abstract: A privacy enclosure for use on a boat. The privacy enclosure includes a plurality of rigid wall structures that raise in a first vertical direction and extend in a second lateral direction to provide sufficient space for use as a changing room. The privacy enclosure includes a compartment within which a toilet may be located. The toilet can be slid out from the compartment into the interior of the enclosure for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Triumph Boats, Inc.
    Inventors: George Blaisdell, Jay Hood, Mike Bernhard, Joe Bierman
  • Patent number: 7096628
    Abstract: A vehicle cover (10) has first and second cover members (12, 14) of which one pivots relative to the other about a pivot (A) to move between open and closed positions of the cover. The cover (10) includes a base on which one of the members is mounted and the arrangement is such that after one of the cover members is pivoted relative to the other, the two cover members (12, 14) are moveable as one relative to the base to enable full access to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Stanley Millward
  • Patent number: 7093888
    Abstract: A deck for use with a vehicle having a frame includes a platform. The platform has opposite upper and lower surfaces. The platform is operatively coupled to the frame of the vehicle for selective movement between a storage position, wherein the upper surface is disposed substantially underneath the vehicle and a use position wherein the upper surface is disposed alongside the vehicle for ingress and egress thereon. A stabilizer extends from the lower surface for supporting the platform above the ground while in the use position. The stabilizer is selectively height adjustable to maintain the upper surface in a generally horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventors: Anthony R. Anderson, Michael S. Warner
  • Patent number: 7004528
    Abstract: An operating mechanism for laterally moving a slide-out section of a vehicle between a retracted position and an extended position includes two support members and a rack and pinion assembly. The two support members can have alignable mounting locations that allow for height adjustable mounting of the slide-out section. The rack and pinion assembly is operable to move the slide-out section from the retracted position to the extended position, preferably by the engagement of a pair of pinions with a pair of racks mounted to elongated rail members mounted to the bottom of the slide-out section. Rollers or other anti-friction members can be added to support the rails and ease the movement of the slide-out section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy L. Nye, Robert H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6969105
    Abstract: An extendable bay for use with a human habitat, such as a slide-out for a recreational vehicle, includes a compartment sized to be received in an opening in the habitat's side wall. The compartment has a bottom, a top, a front panel and a pair of side panels. A cantilever portion extends from the top for a distance beyond the first and second side panels. A lower edge bearing is interposed between the lower edge of the opening and the bottom of the compartment. A cantilever bearing element is interposed between the cantilever portion and the ceiling of the habitat to support the cantilever portion against the ceiling for sliding movement. An automated drive may be provided to extend and retract the bay. Side bearing elements may be provided. Seal strips may also be used to seal the bay relative to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: RV Safety Products, LLC
    Inventor: Richard G. Rincoe
  • Patent number: 6966590
    Abstract: A resilient seal is mountable around the edge of an opening in a sidewall of a mobile living quarters through which a slide-out room travels. The seal includes two parts that slide together—a mounting portion and a-bulb seal portion—with the bulb seal portion being compressed when the slide-out room is closed. A wiper seal portion extending from the mounting portion is for contacting the adjacent wall of the slide-out room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventors: Edwin E. Ksiezopolki, Norman L. Newhouse, II
  • Patent number: 6928773
    Abstract: A slide-out room for mobile living quarters is moved between a retracted position above the main floor of the main living area to an extended position with the auxiliary floor substantially flush with the main floor by engaging an extendable drive connected at one point to the slide-out room and connected at a second point to the main living area structure. The actuating system accommodates up and down movement of the auxiliary floor when the slide-out room is shifted. A cord retractor attachable to said mobile living quarters allows a power cord or other similarly flexible wires or tubing to be extended away from the main living area in conjunction with extension of the slide-out room. When the slide-out room is retracted, the cord retractor urges the cord to a resting position between the auxiliary floor and sub-floor in conjunction with the retraction of the slide-out room and prevents binding or bunching of the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Stewart Gardner
  • Patent number: 6896307
    Abstract: An operating mechanism for extending a slide-out section of a vehicle includes a pair of rail supports secured to a vehicle frame and a pair of rail members connected to the slide-out section with one rail member slidably engaging each rail support. Each rail member is driven by engagement of a rotary member with a linear intermeshing member, such as dedicated rack and pinion arrangements. A shaft connects the rotary engagers so that movement of the rail members is synchronized using a single drive unit. A pair of rollers are mounted to each rail support, one roller on each side of the racks, to support the rack relative to the associated rotary engager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy L. Nye, Robert H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6874283
    Abstract: A stationary building structure having a sidewall opening with a shuttle section movable through the opening to an extended position or movable over the opening for closing thereof. The shuttle section includes a frame which defines a shuttle floor surface thereabove. A shuttle tail extends from the shuttle frame into the stationary building structure for supporting the shuttle section at all times whether in the extended position, the retracted position or moving therebetween. An outer shuttle wall extends upwardly from the frame for closing the sidewall opening of the stationary building when the shuttle is retracted. A sealing means is defined on the outer wall for engaging the building around the sidewall opening for selectively sealing thereof when in the retracted position. A drive mechanism is mounted to the stationary building structure and is operatively secured to the shuttle section for urging movement thereof between the respective positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: William A. Hindle
  • Patent number: 6868638
    Abstract: A roller assembly for use with a slide-out room used in mobile homes, manufactured housing and recreational vehicles in which the assembly includes a roller journalled to a carrier. The carrier is mounted to a frame by an adjustable connection which allows a variation position of the carrier relative to the frame. The carrier is connected to the frame for articulated movement so as to allow the carrier and its roller to rock relative to the frame which is adapted for connection to either the slide-out room or the living area which forms a part of the mobile home, manufactured housing or recreational vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Stewart Gardner
  • Publication number: 20040244308
    Abstract: An articulated structure is disclosed. The structure includes a plurality of discrete, movably connected structure elements which are movable between an extended configuration wherein the elements define two spaced, substantially parallel wall surfaces having opertaivly upper and lower ends of a roof surface transverserly orientated relative to the wall surfaces, the structure elements defining the roof surface being connected to the operatively upper ends of the structure elements defining the wall surfaces; and a retracted configuration wherein the elements are nested in compacted configuration. The invention further discloses a structure member for an articulated structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Adil Alusoski
  • Patent number: 6805391
    Abstract: An operating mechanism for extending a slide-out section of a vehicle includes a pair of rail supports secured to a vehicle frame and a pair of rail members connected to the slide-out section with one rail member slidably engaging each rail support. Each rail member is driven by engagement of a rotary member with a linear intermeshing member, such as dedicated rack and pinion arrangements. A shaft connects the rotary engagers so that movement of the rail members is synchronized using a single drive unit. A pair of rollers are mounted to each rail support, one roller on each side of the racks, to support the rack relative to the associated rotary engager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Robert H. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20040187397
    Abstract: The invention concerns a swimming pool cover consisting, over a portion (P′) at least of its length, of juxtaposed roofing elements (I′) whereof the distance which delimits the external chord of each of the longitudinal edges (220a′) and (220b′) resting on the support edge (S) of the pool and connected by two roof bows (210′) is shorter than the distance which delimits the internal chord of the two longitudinal edges (220a) and (220b) resting on the support edge (S) of the pool and connected by two roof bows (210) of the juxtaposed elements (I) of the other portion (P) of the roof to enable the first portion (P′) of small elements (I′) to be nested in the second portion (P) of large elements (I) thereby exposing partly the pool over a length corresponding to the displacement of the mobile portion (P′) of elements (I′).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Serge Chapus
  • Patent number: 6796590
    Abstract: A slide-out room (12) support system (28) for a recreational vehicle (10) has outer C-shaped rails (34) received at least partially within the thickness of the floor (64) with the slot of the C-shape opening downwardly. A fixed support (30) extends up through the slot and mounts four rollers (38), two on each side, which extend into the space between the top wall (42) of the rail (34) and the flanges (40) so as to support the rail (34) generally horizontal and relieve much of the weight of the slide-out room (12) from being borne by the stationary floor of the recreational vehicle (10). A lead screw (46) that moves longitudinally with the rail (34) drives it in and out, and a rack (60, 70) and pinion (62, 68) system synchronizes the movement of the rails (34) when two or more rails (34) are provided. The lead screw (46), or alternatively the rack (60, 70) and pinion (62, 68) system, may be manually or electrically driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Robert H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6789361
    Abstract: In the present invention, a removable support member factory built garage/carport has a design that allows for the support members and associated support structures to be removed from the garage area during the installation process. During this process, the weight of the garage is transferred to the foundation and then the garage support members are removed from the garage area while the rails are left intact under the home. This allows the concrete garage floor to be poured at any desired level, before or after the home is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventors: Jason M. Spartz, Daniel C. Spartz, Charles N. Spartz
  • Patent number: 6772563
    Abstract: A mobile accommodation unit in container form for use as mobile hospital or mobile control or command center or the like has a box-shaped main box element and at least one secondary box element. In a transport state, the secondary box element is telescoped into the main box element. For setting up an accommodation unit of increased floor area, the secondary box element can be pulled out of a lateral opening of the main box element. In order to provide a continuous floor surface, after the secondary box element has been pulled out, the main box element has a movable floor element, which can be lifted relative to a basic floor element so as to equalize the floor levels of the main box element and the secondary box element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Wietmarscher Ambulanz & Sonderfahrzeug GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Kuhn
  • Patent number: 6745522
    Abstract: Telescoping hurricane shutters protect a window during a storm but eliminate the need for pre-sized storm shutters. The interchangeable storm shutters are made up of individual panels slidably connected to one another. The panels may be extended to cover an exposed area of window. The storm shutters may be interlocked together in order to fit a particular window and may be held in place by brackets, quick tapping screws, or threaded rods and nuts that allow for quick installation and removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Craig D. Germain
  • Patent number: 6739551
    Abstract: An expandable/collapsible enclosure positioned about the existing door of a flight crew compartment of an airliner, which is expanded either manually or automatically by the motion of the aircraft to form an airlock type enclosure about the door to the flight crew compartment, the enclosure having its own outer secondary door controllable from the flight crew compartment, an individual seeking access to the flight crew compartment having to position themselves in front of the outer door and again within the enclosure for observation by the flight crew personnel before entering the flight crew compartment, the enclosure having chemical or gaseous means for immobilizing an individual not authorized to enter the enclosure or the flight crew compartment who may have overwhelmed a properly identified individual that was authorized to enter the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventors: Charles Temple, Walter Temple
  • Patent number: 6735909
    Abstract: A slide-out room assembly for mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, includes a pair of side walls, a ceiling wall, and a floor wall, all of which are received in corresponding sockets in a frame that extends around the outer edges of the side walls, floor wall and ceiling wall. The frame includes an outwardly extending flange that engages the side wall of the main living quarters when the slide-out room is retracted. The outer wall panel is bonded to the flange by an appropriate adhesive and encloses the end of the slide-out room defined between the ends of the side walls, ceiling wall and floor wall. A raceway is provided in the frame that extends around ends of the side walls, floor wall and ceiling wall to permit the necessary electrical wiring to be routed around the end of the slide-out room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Stewart Gardner
  • Patent number: 6712414
    Abstract: A low profile, expandable, mobile rigid structure with unique a unique assembly and support system, that can easily be transported by an average sized vehicle. The structure features a central structure with a central roof section, a pair of endwall assemblies, and a central floor mounted to a base. The endwalls are two pieced having a bottom endwall panel and a top endwall panel. From the side of the central structure one or more side sections are retractable and expandable to increase the size of the floor space inside. The two pieced endwalls allow for compaction of the structure for travel by translating the lower portion of the endwall from supporting the upper portion. A two pieced door allows entry into the structure when it is expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Floyd L. Morrow
  • Patent number: 6708454
    Abstract: A supporting structure for vehicles that have an expandable room. Telescoping double tube extension beams are secured to the vehicle structure and combined with hydraulic extension cylinders to move the extendable room from the retracted to the extended position and back again. The inner tube of each extension beam is connected to the outer wall of the extendable room using a pivot connector that includes a mounting plate which has extending from it spaced apart support plates that provide bearing surfaces to support a journal. The journal has a transverse opening extending through it between the support plates, and a connecting member is used to attach the inner tube to the journal and therefore to the room mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: HWH Corporation
    Inventors: Marc Edward Frerichs, Paul Edmund Hanser
  • Patent number: 6681531
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drive mechanism for a slide-out room including a support rail for mounting under the slide-out room and moving through a guide mounted to the vehicle. The support rail includes a rack which is driven by a pinion gear mounted within the guide. A pair of motors turn the pinion gear to drive the room between the extended and retracted position. According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive mechanism is attached to the vehicle floor and disposed almost entirely within a cavity formed in the room floor. A pair of bevel gears connected to the pinion gear extend from the guide and mate with a corresponding pair of bevel gears driven by the pair of motors. Accordingly, the motors, which cooperate to provide the power needed to move the room, may also be disposed within the room floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: VT Holdings II, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick W. McManus
  • Patent number: 6658798
    Abstract: A space saving system to provide stable and supported movement of an expandable room or other moveable structure relative to a vehicle or other base structure is disclosed. The space saving system provides an inner and outer nested tubular member within a floor of the base structure. Low friction bearings are used to separate and support the nested tubular members relative to one another. The inner member is fixed to the base structure and the outer member is allowed to move telescopically relative to the inner member. The outer member is vertically supported by the base structure through use of a low friction bearing. The expandable room is supported upon the outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: HWH Corporation
    Inventors: Marc Edward Frerichs, Paul Edmund Hanser
  • Publication number: 20030213185
    Abstract: A drop down for floor access, laterally expanding for space, stressed structure for finesse, trailer or portable building that consists of two telescoping open span box shells of space tube type construction with a novel suspension attached both near the floor and near the ceiling that allows walk through floor space between the wheels when the thin trailer floor is sitting on roadway surface in the drop down mode. A “glide-over” box shell section travels on overhead “drawer-slide” apparatus during extension-retraction and twin overhead “I” beams captivate a combination double foam weather seal and travel stop during extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Ben Steven Findley
  • Patent number: 6644328
    Abstract: A stick such as a ski-stick, walking stick or same, provided with a handle comprising a gripping element and a length-adjustable pole in addition to a regulating device that contains a joint and is arranged outside the pole, whereby the gripping element can be positioned at an angle to the pole and a tubular part of the pole can be pushed through the joint into the gripping element of the pole when the regulating device is oriented in a rectilinear position. This ensures that the regulating device is substantially protected against the effects of the environment and the diameter of the pole is increased to a lesser degree. In order to achieve this, a regulating element is respectively formed by the handle on a lower extension piece of the gripping element and a cap that is firmly connected to the upper end of the pole, whereby one respective regulating element is pivotally and moveably accommodated in a recess of the other regulating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Klaus Lenhart
  • Patent number: 6637160
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a plurality of movable transparent arcuate sections 12 that can roll on their own designated tracks 14 to enclose or expose a sun room or pool area 18. Thus, the present invention 10 is comprised of a plurality of overlapping transparent arcuate arches or sections 12 positioned on parallel tracks 14. The arches 12 can be selectively moved to any position on the parallel tracks 14. The two distal end arches have removable end closure panels 20. Each of the transparent panel members 22 or arch 12 are positioned within a frame member 16 having a plurality of wheels 36 engaging the spaced apart track members 14. Track members 14 are fixedly positioned to the ground or foundation structures 58 in a spaced-apart parallel configuration. Each side of an arch 12 consists of a plurality of wheels 36 fixedly positioned between spaced apart track elements 14 having hook-like terminations 53 to prevent dislocation of the frame member 16 from the track member 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Bob Brooks
  • Patent number: 6619713
    Abstract: A vehicle having an expandable slide-out body is provided. The slide-out body is movable relative to the vehicle by a slide-out apparatus. The slide-out apparatus has first and second rails, and first and second synchronization members. The first rail is attached to the vehicle and defines a first longitudinally-extending compartment. The second rail also has a second longitudinally-extending compartment. The second rail is attached to the slide-out body, and is disposed within and movable relative to the first longitudinally-extending compartment. The first synchronization member is attached to the second rail. The second synchronization member is located inside the second longitudinally-extending compartment and is engagable with the first synchronization member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Days Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Eichhorn
  • Patent number: 6604327
    Abstract: A retractable trackless spa enclosure includes at least two sections, a first section being slightly smaller than a second section. The first section may be retracted into the second section in reverse telescoping fashion. Both sections are mounted on wheels so that the spa may be more easily moved. Both sections of the enclosure may also include a sliding door for access/egress. In addition, the front end panel of the front section is pivotally mounted on rollers that move within a track. The pivotal mounting allows the front end panel to be rotated in its frame, so that it can be moved to a position horizontal to the ground, thereby providing sufficient clearance for the enclosure to pass over the spa. When the enclosure is retracted, the front end panel can be moved to a position adjacent the end wall of the rear section, so that an open-ended alcove is formed. The frame of the structure is formed from extruded aluminum, and is therefore very lightweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Ameracover Pool Enclosures, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim Reville
  • Patent number: 6598354
    Abstract: Transportable living quarters includes a main frame supporting a main living area and a slide out room which slides between an extended and retracted position relative to the main living area. An extendable member is mounted on the main frame and is rigidly connected to the slide out room floor, so that the weight of the slide out room is transferred from the floor of the main living to the extendable member as the slide out room slides between the retracted and extended positions. In one embodiment of the invention, the floor of the slide out room is leveled with respect to the floor of the main living area when the slide out room is moved to the extended position by bending of the extendable support member in response to the weight transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: VT Holdings II, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. McManus, James E. Dewald, Jr., Martin P. McManus
  • Publication number: 20030115808
    Abstract: A low profile, expandable, mobile rigid structure with unique a unique assembly and support system, that can easily be transported by an average sized vehicle. The structure features a central structure with a central roof section, a pair of endwall assemblies, and a central floor mounted to a base. The endwalls are two pieced having a bottom endwall panel and a top endwall panel. From the side of the central structure one or more side sections are retractable and expandable to increase the size of the floor space inside. The two pieced endwalls allow for compaction of the structure for travel by translating the lower portion of the endwall from supporting the upper portion. A two pieced door allows entry into the structure when it is expanded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Floyd L. Morrow
  • Patent number: 6523308
    Abstract: A rotating-cover storage shed for storing drums of material which is potentially hazardous to the environment. The shed provides a means for containing any leaking material and also provides for protection from the weather and from unauthorized access to the stored contents. Access to the contents is easily made by rotatably opening one of a pair of rotating cover sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Eagle Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: John G. Gillispie
  • Publication number: 20030029099
    Abstract: The purpose is to provide a telescopic type store wherein it is available in a place where a free space is produced temporarily such as home garage, and it can be shorten compactly when cars etc. are put in the place, and it can sufficiently prevent wind and rain, and equipments required as a store can be formed in its inside integrally, and further, the telescopic motion and movement of a store can be also performed easily and promptly even by one person. When a mobile object goes away from the mobile store room and a free space is produced there, it is available as a store by moving the body and elongating it in the free space, and this store comprises a box shape body which is put in a place where a free space is produced temporally, such as home garage, and which is telescopic along the cross direction, and the body moving mean formed on the lower end of the body which moves the body to the desired position in the mobile store room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Torata
  • Publication number: 20030014927
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a plurality of movable transparent arcuate sections 12 that can roll on their own designated tracks 14 to enclose or expose a sun room or pool area 18. Thus, the present invention 10 is comprised of a plurality of overlapping transparent arcuate arches or sections 12 positioned on parallel tracks 14. The arches 12 can be selectively moved to any position on the parallel tracks 14. The two distal end arches have removable end closure panels 20. Each of the transparent panel members 22 or arch 12 are positioned within a frame member 16 having a plurality of wheels 36 engaging the spaced apart track members 14. Track members 14 are fixedly positioned to the ground or foundation structures 58 in a spaced-apart parallel configuration. Each side of an arch 12 consists of a plurality of wheels 36 fixedly positioned between spaced apart track elements 14 having hook-like terminations 53 to prevent dislocation of the frame member 16 from the track member 14.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Bob Brooks
  • Patent number: 6505873
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle having an extendable slide-out controlled by an actuator assembly is provided with a damage avoidance system. The damage avoidance system determines if the slide-out is in an adverse state and, if the adverse state is detected, inhibits the actuator assembly from moving the slide-out. The slide-out is in the adverse state if (a) a collision between the slide-out and a nearby object is imminent, (b) a collision has recently occurred, or (c) a resistive force is acting on the slide-out which substantially inhibits the actuator assembly from moving the slide-out. The damage avoidance system comprises a sensor module for monitoring the state of the slide-out and for providing an override signal to the actuator assembly, wherein the override signal is indicative of the slide-out being in the adverse state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Patent number: 6471275
    Abstract: An electronic slide-out room synchronization system is provided to synchronize multiple actuators of a slide-out room so that the slide-out room has accurate alignment during extension or retraction while further providing a proper seal at full extension or retraction. The system comprises two linear actuators such as lead screw mechanisms or hydraulic cylinders in communication with a controller activated by an activation or room switch located inside a recreational vehicle. The linear actuators, when signaled via the controller, move the slide-out room between a retracted position and an extended position. If the controller determines, by receiving signals from a sensor, that one of the linear actuators is moving faster or is extended or retracted further than the other linear actuator, the controller synchronizes the actuators so that they extend and retract in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Kwikee Products Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Kunz, Brock E. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6446397
    Abstract: A dog-bone shaped bumper for a telescoping way cover extends on both sides of the rear flange of the cover and defines spaces which close upon flexing of forked ends of the bumper between the rear flange and the next adjacent cover section to reduce the impact between sections when expanding and retracting the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: A & A Mfg. Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. O'Connor, Chad M. Kernats
  • Patent number: 6447048
    Abstract: A recreational travel trailer comprising a main housing which encloses a living space having multiple floor levels, and a two level extendable housing having a deployed configuration and an extended configuration. The extendable housing is movably positioned within an opening in the main housing so that a first floor of the extendable housing is positioned adjacent to a first floor of the main housing and so that a second floor of the extendable housing is positioned adjacent to a second floor of the main housing. In the deployed configuration, the extendable housing extends through the opening of the main housing so as to increase the enclosed space within the trailer. In the retracted configuration, the extendable housing is substantially positioned within the main housing so as to provide the main housing with a shape and size that is suitable for being towed on a public road. The trailer is further comprised of a two level actuator assembly which moves the two level extendable housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Patent number: 6430879
    Abstract: A retractable cover for protecting designated area and spaces. A stationary rigid portion receives telescopically extending portions movable over guiding assemblies to house vehicles and other objects and protect them. When the telescopic rigid portions are fully extended, they engage and interlock with seals resulting in a water tight structure. Also, the engagement is used to move and/or stop contiguous portions through the use of outwardly extending tabs at the rear and front ends of the telescopic portions. The guiding assemblies include channels through which wheels that are rotatably mounted to the lowermost ends of the portions. The stationary portion can be mounted to a cover member that is hingedly mounted to the area adjacent to a cooperative hole for selectively housing the retractable cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventors: Ramon A. Nuiry, Jorge Nuiry
  • Publication number: 20020092552
    Abstract: A retractable awning for a recreational vehicle is provided wherein the awning is stored behind a pivoting door that closes flush with the side of the recreational vehicle when the awning is not deployed over a slide-out unit. The pivoting door is adjacent the awning and the pivoting door closes flush with the side of the recreational vehicle with the awning enclosed in its side mounted compartment. With the retractable awning completely behind the plane defining the side of the recreational vehicle and protected by a locking door, the awning does not add any additional unwanted width to the recreational vehicle and is protected from unfurling during transport. An automatic locking mechanism is provided for ensuring that the door remains closed during transportation. Further, a debris clearing mechanism is preferably installed adjacent the spool which collects the retractable awning as it retracts, thereby cleaning the awning of debris prior to its withdrawal into the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Glenn Jones
  • Publication number: 20020078634
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle is shown having an opening through one of the side walls to access the main room of the recreational vehicle. A slide out room is expandable through the opening, between a retracted and expanded position to increase the living space of the main room when in the expanded position. A ceiling member is positioned between the recreational vehicle and the slide out room to seal the main room when the slide out room is in the fully retracted position. A plurality of mechanisms are disclosed herein which changes the relative position of the ceiling member and a corresponding ceiling surface when the slide out room is in the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Patrick W. McManus, Martin P. McManus
  • Publication number: 20020047286
    Abstract: The present invention provides a slide-out support rail, which is particularly adapted for use as a single set of rails, which may be power operated or manually operated. The slide-out support rail system has an inner telescoping rail with a gear rack mounted on top of the upper wall of the inner rail. The teeth of the gear rack face upwardly and mesh with a pinion gear which is journaled relative to the outer rail above the gear rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Timothy L. Nye, Robert D. Spore, Douglas R. Graf
  • Patent number: 6354646
    Abstract: A mobile living quarters unit incorporates a slide-out room which is moveable between an extended position providing an auxiliary living area when the unit is parked and a retracted position retracted into the unit when the unit is moved. A latching mechanism automatically latches the slide-out room to the mobile living quarters as the slide-out room is moved into the retracted position, and releases the room to permit outward movement of the slide-out room when the unit is parked and the slide-out room is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: VT Holdings II, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. McManus, Martin P. McManus, James E. Dewald, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE37567
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Carefree/Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventor: Brent W. Murray