US20070284499A1 - Camper stabilizer system - Google Patents
Camper stabilizer system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070284499A1 US20070284499A1 US11/449,076 US44907606A US2007284499A1 US 20070284499 A1 US20070284499 A1 US 20070284499A1 US 44907606 A US44907606 A US 44907606A US 2007284499 A1 US2007284499 A1 US 2007284499A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- brace section
- camper
- brace
- base plate
- end portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
- B66F3/00—Devices, e.g. jacks, adapted for uninterrupted lifting of loads
- B66F3/08—Devices, e.g. jacks, adapted for uninterrupted lifting of loads screw operated
- B66F3/12—Devices, e.g. jacks, adapted for uninterrupted lifting of loads screw operated comprising toggle levers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
- B60P3/32—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects comprising living accommodation for people, e.g. caravans, camping, or like vehicles
- B60P3/36—Auxiliary arrangements; Arrangements of living accommodation; Details
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60S9/00—Ground-engaging vehicle fittings for supporting, lifting, or manoeuvring the vehicle, wholly or in part, e.g. built-in jacks
- B60S9/02—Ground-engaging vehicle fittings for supporting, lifting, or manoeuvring the vehicle, wholly or in part, e.g. built-in jacks for only lifting or supporting
- B60S9/04—Ground-engaging vehicle fittings for supporting, lifting, or manoeuvring the vehicle, wholly or in part, e.g. built-in jacks for only lifting or supporting mechanically
- B60S9/06—Ground-engaging vehicle fittings for supporting, lifting, or manoeuvring the vehicle, wholly or in part, e.g. built-in jacks for only lifting or supporting mechanically of screw-and-nut type
Abstract
An apparatus for stabilizing a camper comprises an elongated base plate having a first end portion and an opposing second end portion and a top surface. An extendible jack extends upwardly from the top surface of the base plate. An elongated brace is engaged with the second end portion of the base plate and comprises a first brace section telescopingly engaged with a second brace section. A releasable locking mechanism secures the first brace section relative to the second brace section to define a rigid triangular stabilizer for the camper.
Description
- Not Applicable
- Not Applicable
- 1. Field of Invention
- This invention pertains to stabilizers for campers, 5th wheels and trailers.
- More particularly, this invention pertains to removable stabilizers adapted for leveling and stabilizing campers and trailers.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Recreational vehicles, campers and trailers (hereinafter referred to generally as “campers”) generally include suspension systems for traveling in order to absorb bumps and rough terrain. However, when a camper is parked and users are entering, leaving or moving around within the camper, it is generally desirable to secure the camper in a fixed position, so that it will not rock on its suspension system. Accordingly, various support systems have been developed for campers to secure them in fixed positions.
- In addition, campers are often parked in locations which do not provide a horizontal surface. Accordingly, it is generally desirable to provide an extendible support which levels the floor of the camper in a horizontal orientation.
- One prior system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,016, issued to Wallace et al. on Dec. 18, 2001. The system disclosed in this patent includes two scissor jacks which are mounted on the rear corners of a trailer. Each of the scissor jacks is independently lowered to the ground and extended to level the rear corners of the trailer. A pair of cross-braces connects the top of each scissor jack to the bottom of the other scissor jack to prevent swaying. However, the interconnection of the cross-braces requires that the scissor jacks be allowed to move laterally relative to one another. This lateral movement is difficult when the bottoms of the jacks have engaged the ground, but not yet leveled the trailer. Moreover, because the system is permanently installed on the trailer, it is prone to collect grime and dirt in its operating mechanism and also subject to damage on the road.
- It is generally desirable to provide a support system which can be stored in a safe and clean environment, out of the elements. It is also desirable to provide a support system which is quickly and easily installed and similarly uninstalled.
- According to one embodiment of the present invention, a support system for a camper includes at least one and preferably two independent stabilizers. Each stabilizer includes an elongated base plate, an extendible jack mounted upon the base plate, and a brace pivotally attached to the base plate at a location spaced apart from the jack. The brace includes an extension which telescopes to extend into engagement with the bottom of the camper. A releasable lock restrains the extension in an engaged position with the camper, whereby the jack, base plate and brace provide a rigid triangular support for the camper.
- The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a stabilizer system in accordance with the present invention secured to a camper. -
FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a stabilizer system in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is an alternate embodiment of a stabilizer system in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is another embodiment of a stabilizer system in accordance with the present invention. - Referring to the drawings, in which like numbers represent like parts of the apparatus a system for stabilizing a
camper 10 is disclosed. In most cases, a stabilizing system in accordance with the present invention will include at least twostabilizers rear corners camper 10. Because thestabilizers FIG. 1 , one stabilizer will be described in detail. One skilled in the art will recognize that the description of second stabilizer would be substantially identical. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , astabilizer 12 c includes a substantially rigidelongated base plate 16, having afirst end portion 18, anopposed end portion 20, atop surface 22 and abottom surface 24. In the depicted embodiment, thebase plate 16 is about 34 inches long, about 6 inches wide and about ⅛ inch thick and comprises steel. However the exact sizes and material are not critical to the invention. - A
jack 26 is secured to thetop surface 22 of thebase plate 16 adjacent to thefirst end portion 18 of thebase plate 16. In the depicted embodiment, thejack 26 is a scissor jack, but any jack having sufficient strength to lift a camper is suitable. Thejack 26 includestop block 29 having an upper surface 28 adapted to engage abottom surface 30 of thecamper 10. - A
clevis 32 is secured to thetop surface 22 of thebase plate 16 adjacent to theend portion 20. Apin 34 extends through theclevis 32 to pivotally secure alower end 35 of a firstelongated brace section 36 to theclevis 32. Thefirst brace portion 36 is tubular, having alower end 35 and anupper end 37. A secondelongated brace section 38, having an interior end (not shown) is slidingly telescoped within theupper end 37 of thefirst brace section 36. Thesecond brace section 38 is threaded and carries awing nut 40 adapted to rotatably traverse thesecond brace section 38. Theupper end 42 of the second brace section includes an L-shaped engager 44 adapted to wrap around a portion of thetop block 29. - In operation, the
stabilizer 12 c, which has been stored in a clean, protected environment, is placed below alower corner 14 c of acamper 10, with the bottom surface resting in the ground. Thejack 26 is located below thelower corner 14 c and thebase plate 16 extends toward the opposing rear corner of thecamper 10, generally parallel to the rear surface of thecamper 10. Similarly, a second stabilizer is installed under the opposing rear corner of thecamper 10. Thejacks 26 are extended upwardly until they engage thebottom surface 30 of thecamper 10. The twojacks 26 are used to level thecamper 10. Thereafter, thesecond brace section 38 of eachstabilizer 12 c is extended until theengagers 44 contact theblocks 29 of thejacks 26. Thewing nuts 40 are then threadably rotated into engagement with theupper ends 37 of thefirst brace sections 36 to lock thefirst brace sections 36 relative to thesecond brace sections 38. Removal of thestabilizers 12 c is accomplished by a reversal of the steps outlined above for installation. As desired, thejacks 26 may be extended to relieve pressure on thewing nuts 40. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , there is depicted an alternative embodiment of astabilizer 12 d. Thesecond brace section 48 is telescopingly received in thefirst brace section 48, but it is not threaded and there is nowing nut 40. Instead, an L-shapedbolt 50 is threadably mounted through the wall of thefirst brace section 36 so that rotation of thebolt 50 brings thebolt 50 in and out of locking engagement with thesecond brace section 48. - The
lower end 35 of thefirst brace section 36 is connected to theclevis 32 through acam handle 52. The cam handle 52 is pivotally mounted upon thepin 34 and asecondary clevis 54 is pivotally mounted upon thelower end 35 of thefirst brace section 36 by apin 56. - In operation, the
stabilizer 12 d, which has been stored in a clean, protected environment, is placed below alower corner 14 c of acamper 10, with thebottom surface 24 resting in the ground. Thejack 26 is located below thelower corner 14 c and thebase plate 16 extends toward the opposing rear corner of thecamper 10, generally parallel to the rear surface of thecamper 10. Similarly, a second stabilizer is installed under the opposing rear corner of thecamper 10. Thejacks 26 are extended upwardly until they engage thebottom surface 30 of thecamper 10. The twojacks 26 are used to level thecamper 10. Thereafter, thesecond brace section 38 of eachstabilizer 12 c is extended until theengagers 44 contact theblocks 29 of thejacks 26. Thebolts 50 are then threadably rotated into engagement with thesecond brace sections 48 within thefirst brace sections 36 to lock thefirst brace sections 36 relative to thesecond brace sections 48. Then the cam handle is rotated lock the engager against theblock 29. Removal of thestabilizers 12 d is accomplished by a reversal of the steps outlined above for installation. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , there is depicted another alternative embodiment of astabilizer 12 e. Thesecond brace section 58 is telescopingly received in thefirst brace section 36, but it is not threaded and there is nowing nut 44. Instead, asqueeze clamp 60 is adjustably mounted upon thesecond brace section 58 so that adjustment of theclamp 60 along thesecond brace section 58 brings the clamp in and out of locking engagement with thefirst brace section 36. - In operation, the
stabilizer 12 e, which has been stored in a clean, protected environment, is placed below alower corner 14 c of acamper 10, with thebottom surface 24 resting in the ground. Thejack 26 is located below thelower corner 14 c and thebase plate 16 extends toward the opposing rear corner of thecamper 10, generally parallel to the rear surface of thecamper 10. Similarly, a second stabilizer is installed under the opposing rear corner of thecamper 10. Thejacks 26 are extended upwardly until they engage thebottom surface 30 of thecamper 10. The twojacks 26 are used to level thecamper 10. Thereafter, thesecond brace section 58 of eachstabilizer 12 e is extended until theengagers 44 contact theblocks 29 of thejacks 26. The squeeze clamps 60 are then adjusted downwardly along thesecond brace sections 58 into engagement with the upper ends 37 of thefirst brace sections 36 to lock thefirst brace sections 36 relative to thesecond brace sections 58. Removal of thestabilizers 12 c is accomplished by a reversal of the steps outlined above for installation. As desired, thejacks 26 may be extended to relieve pressure on theclamps 60. - In the foregoing description, the
jack 26, have been described as secured to thebase plate 16. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that thejack 26 may be secured to the bottom surface of thecamper 10 by theblock 29, for example. In this case, thejack 26 will be extended downwardly to engage thebase plate 16. - Those skilled in the art will recognize that various arrangements of the telescoping relationship of the first and second brace sections may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Similarly, other locking mechanisms may be used for locking the first and second brace sections, whereby the
jack 26, the base plate and the first and second brace sections cooperatively define a rigid triangular stabilizing system. - From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that an improved camper stabilizing system has been provided.
- While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.
Claims (8)
1. An apparatus for stabilizing a camper, said apparatus comprising:
an elongated base plate having a first end portion and an opposing second end portion and a top surface,
an extendible jack extending upwardly from said top surface of said base plate,
an elongated brace engaged with said second end portion of said base plate and comprising a first brace section telescopingly engaged with a second brace section,
and a releasable locking mechanism for securing said first brace section relative to said second brace section to define a rigid triangular stabilizer for said camper.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first brace section is pivotably mounted upon said second end portion of said base plate.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first brace section is pivotably mounted upon a cam handle and said cam handle is pivotally mounted upon said second end portion of said base plate.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second brace section includes an engager for wrapping around a portion of said jack.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said locking mechanism comprises a wing nut threadably mounted upon said second brace section.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said locking mechanism comprises a bolt threadably mounted through said first brace section for engagement with said second brace section.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said first brace section is pivotably mounted upon a cam handle and said cam handle is pivotally mounted upon said second end portion of said base plate.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said locking mechanism comprises a squeeze clamp adjustably mounted upon said second brace section for engagement with said first brace section.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/449,076 US20070284499A1 (en) | 2006-06-08 | 2006-06-08 | Camper stabilizer system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/449,076 US20070284499A1 (en) | 2006-06-08 | 2006-06-08 | Camper stabilizer system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070284499A1 true US20070284499A1 (en) | 2007-12-13 |
Family
ID=38820937
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/449,076 Abandoned US20070284499A1 (en) | 2006-06-08 | 2006-06-08 | Camper stabilizer system |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20070284499A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130313813A1 (en) * | 2012-05-23 | 2013-11-28 | Rocky E. Armstrong | Travel Trailer Stabilizer System |
US20140353942A1 (en) * | 2012-05-23 | 2014-12-04 | Rocky E. Armstrong | Travel Trailer Stabilizer System |
US9771248B1 (en) * | 2016-06-30 | 2017-09-26 | Mark Lee Zimmerman | Stabilized jack assembly |
CN110342062A (en) * | 2019-07-29 | 2019-10-18 | 蜂井包装工业无锡有限公司 | Hoarding box, which is matched, applies pallet reinforced fixed structure |
US10793118B1 (en) * | 2017-02-01 | 2020-10-06 | Stephen Bowman | Scissor jack kit |
EP3786008A1 (en) * | 2019-08-29 | 2021-03-03 | Paul Voithofer | Support |
US11618417B1 (en) * | 2019-11-29 | 2023-04-04 | Gladys Neal Mitchell | Automated vehicle jack |
Citations (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3367614A (en) * | 1965-06-30 | 1968-02-06 | William A. Teel | Mobile home support |
US3475008A (en) * | 1967-09-11 | 1969-10-28 | John O Taylor | Trailer jack |
US3823958A (en) * | 1973-05-10 | 1974-07-16 | E Trejbal | House trailer stabilizer and jack system |
US4055329A (en) * | 1976-07-19 | 1977-10-25 | Leisure Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Scissors jack |
US4708362A (en) * | 1986-03-31 | 1987-11-24 | Raetz Warren V | Stabilizer device |
US5501428A (en) * | 1994-12-14 | 1996-03-26 | Norco Industries, Inc. | Stabilizer jack |
US6142488A (en) * | 1998-07-01 | 2000-11-07 | Magna Tech, Inc. | Recreation vehicle stabilizing system |
US6309165B1 (en) * | 1999-01-22 | 2001-10-30 | Rite-Hite Holding Corporation | Leg restraint for a parked swap body container |
US6331016B1 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2001-12-18 | Solid As A Look Rv Stabilizer System, Inc | Stabilizer system for trailers |
US6591564B2 (en) * | 2001-10-10 | 2003-07-15 | Matt Cusimano | Ground-anchor brace system for modular buildings |
US6695348B2 (en) * | 2000-09-05 | 2004-02-24 | Richard J. Holly | RV stabilizer |
US6726236B2 (en) * | 2001-07-30 | 2004-04-27 | Archie Cofer | Jack assembly and methods of use |
US20050285090A1 (en) * | 2002-11-27 | 2005-12-29 | Garceau Bernard F | Stabilizer jack |
US20060081755A1 (en) * | 2004-10-20 | 2006-04-20 | Jim Thorpe | Stabilizer apparatus and system for recreational vehicles |
US20070040370A1 (en) * | 2004-07-26 | 2007-02-22 | Paul Hanscom | Trailer stabilizing device |
US7338052B2 (en) * | 2004-07-26 | 2008-03-04 | Paul Hanscom | Trailer stabilizing device and method of using same |
-
2006
- 2006-06-08 US US11/449,076 patent/US20070284499A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3367614A (en) * | 1965-06-30 | 1968-02-06 | William A. Teel | Mobile home support |
US3475008A (en) * | 1967-09-11 | 1969-10-28 | John O Taylor | Trailer jack |
US3823958A (en) * | 1973-05-10 | 1974-07-16 | E Trejbal | House trailer stabilizer and jack system |
US4055329A (en) * | 1976-07-19 | 1977-10-25 | Leisure Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Scissors jack |
US4708362A (en) * | 1986-03-31 | 1987-11-24 | Raetz Warren V | Stabilizer device |
US5501428A (en) * | 1994-12-14 | 1996-03-26 | Norco Industries, Inc. | Stabilizer jack |
US6142488A (en) * | 1998-07-01 | 2000-11-07 | Magna Tech, Inc. | Recreation vehicle stabilizing system |
US6309165B1 (en) * | 1999-01-22 | 2001-10-30 | Rite-Hite Holding Corporation | Leg restraint for a parked swap body container |
US6331016B1 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2001-12-18 | Solid As A Look Rv Stabilizer System, Inc | Stabilizer system for trailers |
US6695348B2 (en) * | 2000-09-05 | 2004-02-24 | Richard J. Holly | RV stabilizer |
US6726236B2 (en) * | 2001-07-30 | 2004-04-27 | Archie Cofer | Jack assembly and methods of use |
US6591564B2 (en) * | 2001-10-10 | 2003-07-15 | Matt Cusimano | Ground-anchor brace system for modular buildings |
US20050285090A1 (en) * | 2002-11-27 | 2005-12-29 | Garceau Bernard F | Stabilizer jack |
US20070040370A1 (en) * | 2004-07-26 | 2007-02-22 | Paul Hanscom | Trailer stabilizing device |
US7338052B2 (en) * | 2004-07-26 | 2008-03-04 | Paul Hanscom | Trailer stabilizing device and method of using same |
US20060081755A1 (en) * | 2004-10-20 | 2006-04-20 | Jim Thorpe | Stabilizer apparatus and system for recreational vehicles |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130313813A1 (en) * | 2012-05-23 | 2013-11-28 | Rocky E. Armstrong | Travel Trailer Stabilizer System |
US8840144B2 (en) * | 2012-05-23 | 2014-09-23 | Rocky E Armstrong | Travel trailer stabilizer system |
US20140353942A1 (en) * | 2012-05-23 | 2014-12-04 | Rocky E. Armstrong | Travel Trailer Stabilizer System |
US9139060B2 (en) * | 2012-05-23 | 2015-09-22 | Rocky E Armstrong | Travel trailer stabilizer system |
US9771248B1 (en) * | 2016-06-30 | 2017-09-26 | Mark Lee Zimmerman | Stabilized jack assembly |
US10793118B1 (en) * | 2017-02-01 | 2020-10-06 | Stephen Bowman | Scissor jack kit |
CN110342062A (en) * | 2019-07-29 | 2019-10-18 | 蜂井包装工业无锡有限公司 | Hoarding box, which is matched, applies pallet reinforced fixed structure |
EP3786008A1 (en) * | 2019-08-29 | 2021-03-03 | Paul Voithofer | Support |
US11618417B1 (en) * | 2019-11-29 | 2023-04-04 | Gladys Neal Mitchell | Automated vehicle jack |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |