WO2002020309A2

WO2002020309A2 - Apparatus for controlling the movement of a slide out room

Info

Publication number: WO2002020309A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/027651
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick W. Mcmanus; Martin P. Mcmanus
Original assignee: Vt Holdings Ii, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-09-08
Filing date: 2001-09-07
Publication date: 2002-03-14
Also published as: WO2002020309A3; AU2001288822A1

Abstract

An apparatus for a vehicle slide out room being movable through an opening in a side wall of the vehicle between a retracted position within a main living area of the vehicle and an extended position extending outwardly from the main living area includes first and second guide mechanisms, each including a first bracket mounted to the vehicle side wall adjacent an edge of the opening, a second bracket mounted perpendicular to the first bracket to an upper portion of a side wall of the room, a third bracket mounted perpendicular to the first bracket and parallel to the second bracket to a lower portion of the side wall of the room, and a linkage connecting the brackets such that the second and third brackets move substantially in unison relative to the first bracket as the room is moved between the retracted and extended positions. Each guide mechanism may further include a drive mechanism for moving the room between the extended and retracted positions, and a synchronizer linkage to ensure that both sides of the room move at the same speed during such extension or retraction.

Description

APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE MOVEMENT OF A SLIDE OUT ROOM

The present invention relates generally to apparatus for controlling the movement of a slide out room of a vehicle between an extended and a retracted position.

Vehicles, such as recreational vehicles, are limited in width to the maximum width allowable for travel on public roads. Accordingly, slide out rooms are provided with some vehicles to increase the living space of the vehicle when in the extended position while the vehicle is parked, but remain within the maximum width requirements for public roads when the room is retracted within the main living area of the vehicle during travel.

Such slide out rooms are generally extended and retracted by use of an automatic drive mechanism such as hydraulic rams mounted to the frame of the vehicle. Conventional rams use telescopically extendable tubes which are mounted to a lower portion of the outer wall of the slide out room. When the tubes are extended, the room moves laterally away from the main living area of the vehicle to the extended position. The room is retracted by retracting the tubes.

The size and weight of many slide out rooms may cause sagging and deflection of the extendable tubes as the room is cantilevered outwardly from the vehicle. Consequently, during at least a portion of the travel between the extended and retracted positions, the upper and lower portions of the room may move at different speeds. Additionally, if the hydraulic rams are not controlled to extend and retract at precisely the same speed, the room may become misaligned or cocked because the sides of the room may move at different speeds. This may result in the room binding up within the side wall opening of the vehicle, increased stress to the drive mechanism due to friction between the room and the opening, damage to the vehicle or the slide out room, and other undesirable consequences. The problem to be solved then is to provide a synchronized movement of the slide out room, during retraction and extension.

The problem has been solved by providing an apparatus for a vehicle slide out room which is movable through an opening in a side wall of the vehicle between a retracted position within a main living area of the vehicle and an extended position extending outwardly from the main living area. The apparatus is characterized in that said apparatus is comprised of a linkage means positioned substantially along the outer side walls of the slide out room.

The objects and advantages of the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a slide out room for use with a vehicle.

Figure 2 is a perspective drawing of a guide mechanism according to the present invention with a slide out room shown in phantom.

Figure 3 is an exploded, perspective view of a guide mechanism according to the present invention.

Figure 4 is a side, elevational view of the guide mechanism shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a partially fragmented, perspective view of a guide mechanism according to the present invention.

Figure 6 is a partially fragmented, cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 6-6 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a side, elevational view of the guide mechanism shown in Figure 3.

Figure 8 is an exploded, perspective view of a guide mechanism and a drive mechanism according to the present invention. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the guide mechanism and drive mechanism shown in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of another drive mechanism according to the present invention.

Figure 11 is a partially fragmented, perspective view of the drive mechanism shown in Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a partially fragmented, perspective view of another guide mechanism according to the present invention.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a modified bracket of the guide mechanism of Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a side, elevational view of another guide mechanism according to the present invention.

Figure 15 is a partially fragmented, perspective view of a guide mechanism as shown in Figure 12 with a drive mechanism.

Figure 16 is a side, elevational view of another embodiment of a drive mechanism according to the present invention.

Figure 17 is a partially fragmented, perspective view of the drive mechanism shown in Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a perspective, view of a guide mechanism and drive mechanism according to the present invention.

Figures 19 and 20 are perspective views of another drive mechanism according to the present invention. Figure 21 is a partially fragmented, cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 21-21 of Figure 19.

Figure 22 is a perspective view of the drive mechanism shown in Figures 19-21.

Figures 23 and 24 are perspective views of another guide mechanism according to the present invention.

Figure 25 is a partially fragmented, cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 25-25 of Figure 23.

Figure 1 shows a vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle 10, including a side wall 12, which defines an opening 14, a ceiling 13, and a floor 15. Opening 14 includes a pair of vertical side edges 16, 18, an upper edge 20, and a lower edge 22. Opening 14 is sized to receive a slide out room 30.

Room 30 includes side walls 32, 34, ceiling 36, floor 38, and back wall 40. Room 30 is connected to vehicle 10 for movement through opening 14 between a retracted position, wherein room 30 is situated within the main living area 42 of vehicle 10, and an extended position wherein room 30 is extended laterally outwardly relative to side wall 12 to increase the living area of the vehicle while the vehicle is parked.

Movement of room 30 is controlled by guide mechanisms according to the present invention. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a guide mechanism 50 according to one embodiment of the invention includes a first bracket 52, a second bracket 54, a third bracket 56, and a linkage 70. Bracket 54 is mounted to an upper portion of side wall 32 adjacent ceiling 36. Bracket 56 is mounted to a lower portion of side wall 32 adjacent floor 38 such that bracket 56 is parallel to bracket 54. Bracket 52 is mounted adjacent vertical edge 16 of opening 14 as shown in Figure 1. Guide mechanism 60 is identical to guide mechanism 50. Accordingly, only guide mechanism 50 will be described in detail below.

Bracket 54 extends substantially the length of side wall 32 and may be connected to side wall 32 using conventional fasteners (not shown). Bracket 54 also includes tabs 86, 88 at opposite ends 87, 89, respectively, for connection to linkage 70 as further described below. Bracket 56 similarly extends substantially the length of sidewall 32 and may be connected thereto using conventional fasteners (not shown). Bracket 56 also includes tabs 96, 98 disposed adjacent ends 97, 99, respectively.

Bracket 52 is generally rectangular in cross-section and extends substantially the length of edge 16 of opening 14 (Figure 1). Bracket 52 includes an inner wall 100, an outer wall 102, a pair of side walls 104, 106, an upper end 108, and a lower end 110. Bracket 52 is mounted such that inner wall 100 may be connected to edge 16 of opening 14 using conventional fasteners.

Linkage 70 generally includes an upper post 72 which is fixedly mounted to bracket 52, adjacent upper end 108, a lower post 74 which is fixedly mounted to bracket 52 adjacent lower end 110, a pulley 76 mounted for rotation on post 72, a pulley 78 mounted for rotation on post 74, a first cable 77, and a second cable 79. As best shown in Figure 6, pulley 76 includes a pair of circumferential, parallel grooves 112, 114 defined by a center wall 116 and end walls 118, 120. Pulley 78 (Figure 3) similarly includes parallel grooves 122, 124 bounded by end walls 126, 128, and a center wall 130. Alternatively, pulleys 76 and 78 could each include a pair of single groove, independent pulleys mounted to their respective posts for independent rotation. When installed, cable 77 extends from tab 88 of bracket 54 around pulley 76 (in groove 114), around pulley 78 (in groove 124) to tab 96 of bracket 56. Cable 79 extends from tab 86 of bracket 54 around pulley 76 (in groove 112), around pulley 78 (in groove 122), to tab 98 of bracket 56. As best shown in Figures 5 and 6, pulley 76 is situated between bracket 52 and bracket 54. Pulley 78 (not shown) is likewise disposed within a gap between bracket 52 and bracket 56. Cables 77, 79 are tightly drawn around pulleys 76, 78 such that room 30 is substantially suspended from pulleys 76, 78.

Since cables 77, 79 are tightly drawn around pulleys 76, 78 and connected to tabs 86, 88 and tabs 96, 98 of brackets 54, 56, respectively, guide mechanism 50 may be fully assembled as a unit prior to installation. As such, the relative mounting locations of brackets 52, 54, 56 are preset, as is the tension of cables 77, 79. Moreover, the rotatable connections between brackets 54, 56 and bracket 52 provided by pulleys 76, 78, respectively, permit rotation of brackets 54, 56 into axial alignment with bracket 52 as suggested by Figure 4. When brackets 54, 56 are aligned with bracket 52, guide mechanism 50 may be shipped and/or stored as a unit in an elongated, rectangular container requiring substantially less space than would otherwise be required.

It should be understood, however, that brackets 54, 56 are optional. Cables 77, 79 may alternatively be connected directly to side wall 32, or connected to eyebolts or mounting tabs similar to tabs 86, 88, 96, 98 which, in turn, are connected to sidewall 32. During installation of guide mechanism 50 without brackets 54, 56, proper tension on cables 77, 79 must be applied, as well as proper attachment locations to sidewall 32 to provide the desired movement of room 30 between the extended and retracted positions. Figures 5 and 6 also show an optional diverter 80 attached to bracket 54. Diverter 80 includes a flat upper section 81, an angled section 82 which extends from section 81, and another flat section 84 which extends from angled section 82. Diverter 80 extends substantially the entire length of bracket 54 and is connected thereto using conventional fasteners (not shown) that may extend through flat section 81. As room 30 is moved inwardly and outwardly, pulley 76 and cables 77, 79 remain partially covered by diverter 80. Accordingly, leaves and other debris that may otherwise interfere with the operation of linkage 70 are diverted by diverter 80. Additionally, a rubber seal (not shown) which generally extends around the circumference of opening 14, may easily glide over diverter 80 as room 30 is moved between the extended and retracted positions.

Figure 7 illustrates the manner in which cables 77, 79 travel over and around pulleys 76, 78 as room 30 is moved between the extended and retracted positions. Cables 77, 79 are strung between bracket 54 and bracket 56 to ensure that the brackets travel at substantially the same speed. As shown in the figure, when room 30 is moved between a first position (shown in solid lines) and a second (shown in dotted lines), an arbitrary point A on cable 79 moves in the direction of the arrows associated with cable 79 to point A'. An arbitrary point B on cable 77 moves an equal distance in the direction of the arrows associated with cable 77 to location B'. Assuming negligible slippage between pulleys 76, 78 and cables 77, 79, linkage 70 ensures symmetric movement of the upper and lower portions of room 30.

As should be apparent from the foregoing, guide mechanisms 50, 60 function to maintain room 30 in alignment with opening 14, regardless of the mechanism used to drive room 30 between the extended and retracted positions. Room 30 may be manually moved, driven with hydraulic rams connected to a lower portion of the room, or moved using worm gear assemblies or other mechanisms known by those skilled in the art.

Figures 8 and 9 show guide mechanism 50 with one embodiment of a drive mechanism incorporated therewith. Outer wall 102 is removed from first bracket 52 so that drive mechanism 150 may be recessed within bracket 52. Drive mechanism 150 generally includes drive wheels 152, 154, hydraulic piston 156, and drive loop 158. Drive wheel 152 is a triple groove pulley mounted below pulley 76 for rotation on a post 160 which is comiected to inner wall 100 of bracket 52. Wheel 152 includes an inner circumferential groove 153 positioned adjacent inner wall 100, and parallel, circumferential grooves 155, 157 which are positioned below, and in vertical alignment with grooves 114, 112 of pulley 76, respectively. Similarly, grooves 155, 157 are in substantial vertical alignment with grooves 124, 122 of pulley 78, respectively.

Drive wheel 154 is fixedly connected to pulley 78 and mounted for rotation with pulley 78 on post 130. Wheel 154 includes circumferential groove 162 which is vertically aligned with groove 153 of drive wheel 152. In this embodiment of the invention, pulley 78 is essentially a triple groove pulley like drive wheel 152.

Drive loop 158, which is a continuous loop of steel cable or other suitable material, extends between drive wheel 152 and drive wheel 154 and is situated within grooves 153 and 162. Loop 158 is strung tightly around drive wheels 152, 154 to eliminate slippage such that the wheels rotate with movement of loop 158 due to the friction between loop 158 and grooves 153 and 162.

Drive piston 156 includes a cylinder 164 a rod 166 which is telescopically extendable from cylinder 164 and carries a block 168. Block 168 has a connector 170 which connects block 168 to drive loop 158. Piston 156 also includes a post 172 which is received in an aperture 174 formed in a right angle bracket 176 mounted to inner wall 100 of bracket 52. Post 172 may be threaded to receive a nut (not shown) to secure piston 156 to bracket 176, or otherwise be connected to bracket 176. Drive piston 156 is thus mounted within bracket 52 parallel to the length of drive loop 158.

Cable 77 extends from tab 88 of bracket 54, around pulley 76 (in groove 112), around the left side (as viewed in Figure 8) of drive wheel 152 (in groove 157), and around the left side of pulley 78 (in groove 122), to tab 96 of bracket 56. Cable 79 extends in an opposite fashion from tab 86, around pulley 76 (in groove 114), around the right side of drive wheel 152 (in groove 155), around the right side of pulley 78 (in groove 124), to tab 98 of bracket 56.

As should be apparent from the figures, as rod 166 is extended from piston 156, connector 170 moves drive loop 158 about drive wheels 152, 154 in a clockwise direction, causing the drive wheels to rotate. Since cables 77, 79 are tightly engaged with drive wheel 152, and since drive wheel 154 is fixedly connected to pulley 78, as drive wheels 152, 154 rotate clockwise, cables 77, 79 are moved by drive wheel 152 and pulley 78 such that brackets 54, 56 are moved to the left as viewed in Figures 8 and 9.

As indicated above, cables 77, 79 may be moved by rotation of drive wheels 152, 154 as a result of friction as the cables are strung with substantial tension about drive wheels 152, 154 and therefore move within their respective grooves as the drive wheels are rotated. Alternatively, drive loop 158 may be directly connected to one or the other of cables 77, 79 such that as drive loop 158 is moved by piston 156, the one or the other of the cables 77, 79 is carried by drive loop 158. Figures 10 and 11 show another modified guide mechanism 50 which incorporates an alternative drive mechanism 180. As best shown in Figure 11, drive mechanism 180 includes a motor 182 having a drive shaft 184, a drive wheel 186 mounted to bracket 52 and having a circumferential groove 190, a drive wheel 154 identical to that described in conjunction with Figures 8 and 9, and a sublinkage 192. In this embodiment, sublinkage 192, which may be a cable of suitable material formed in a loop, encircles drive wheels 154 and 186 and is situated within grooves 162 and 190. A chain and sprocket configuration could readily be used instead of the cable and pulley configuration shown. Drive wheel 186 includes a central opening 188 that receives drive shaft 184 with interior teeth that mesh with exterior teeth 185 of drive shaft 184. Sublinkage 192 is sufficiently taut about drive wheels 154, 186 that when drive wheel 186 is rotated by motor 182 through drive shaft 184, drive wheel 154 rotates, thereby causing pulley 78 to rotate. As described above, when pulley 78 rotates, cables 77, 79 move, for example, in the direction of the arrows shown in Figure 11. Consequently, room 30 is moved either inwardly or outwardly, depending upon the direction of rotation of motor 182.

Figure 12 shows another embodiment of a guide mechanism according to the present invention. Guide mechanism 250 generally includes a first bracket 252 which is mounted to vehicle side wall 12 adjacent an edge 16 of opening 14, a second bracket 254 mounted adjacent an upper portion of side wall 32 of room 30, a third bracket 256 mounted adjacent a lower portion of side wall 32 of room 30, and a linkage 270. First bracket 252 includes an inner wall 210 which is mounted to edge 16 of opening 14, an outer wall 202, and a pair of end walls 204, 206 which, with wall 202 and wall 210, form an interior space 211. Bracket 254 includes a flat section 280 which is attached to side wall 32, an angled section 282 which angles away from side wall 32, and a flat section 284 which is spaced apart from and substantially parallel to side wall 32. Flat section 280, angled section 282, and flat section 284 together form a diverter similar to diverter 80 described in conjunction with Figures 5 and 6. Bracket 254 further includes a rack 300, which is disposed between side wall 32 and flat section 284, and includes downwardly facing teeth 302. Bracket 256 is identical in shape to bracket 254 and includes a rack 304 which has downwardly facing teeth 306.

An upper sprocket assembly 276, a lower sprocket assembly 274, and a chain loop 277 and racks 300 form linkage 270. The chain loop 277 extends between sprocket assemblies 276, 274. Upper sprocket assembly 276 includes a pair of parallel disc-shaped sprockets 212, 214 connected together by a post 260. Sprocket 212 includes circumferential teeth 308 which are sized and spaced to correspond with teeth 302 of rack 300. Post 260 extends through outer wall 202 of first bracket 252 and is mounted to bracket 252 such that rotation of sprocket 214 causes rotation of sprocket 212 through post 260. Sprocket 214 is mounted within interior space 211 of bracket 252 and includes circumferential teeth (not shown).

Lower sprocket assembly 274 similarly includes parallel sprockets 222, 224 which are connected together by post 230. Sprocket 222 includes circumferential teeth 310 which are sized and spaced to correspond with teeth 306 of rack 304. Post 230 extends through outer wall 202 and is mounted to bracket 252 in the manner described above with respect to post 260. Sprocket 224 is likewise situated within interior space 211, vertically below sprocket 214. Sprocket 224 includes circumferential teeth (not shown). In this embodiment, loop 277 is a continuous chain that extends around sprocket 214 and sprocket 224 within interior space 211. The circumferential teeth of sprockets 214, 224 are sized to engage the links of loop 277.

As room 30 is moved, for example, into the page as viewed in Figure 12, the interaction between teeth 308 of sprocket 212 and teeth 302 of rack 300 cause sprocket assembly 276 to rotate in a clockwise direction. Accordingly, sprocket 214 rotates loop 277 in a clockwise direction. Likewise, the interaction between teeth 310 of sprocket 222 and teeth 306 of rack 304 cause sprocket assembly 274 to rotate in a clockwise direction. Since the spacing of all of the teeth is the same, and since the upper sprocket assembly 276 is connected to the lower sprocket assembly 274 by loop 277, the lower sprocket assembly 274 rotates in a clockwise direction at the speed of rotation of upper sprocket assembly 276.

As is well known by those skilled in the art, the interaction between teeth 308, 310 and teeth 302, 306, respectively, may result in binding under the weight of room 30 unless sprockets 212 and 222 are specially shaped or do not carry the weight of room 30. For example, sprockets 212, 222 could be shaped with gradually curving, circumferential indentations as opposed to the deeply concave, under-cut teeth of a standard gear. Additionally, sprockets 212, 222 could simply consist of disks with a plurality of cone- shape spikes protruding radially from the circular side wall of the disks (commonly referred to as "star wheels"). The spikes engage corresponding openings in racks 300, 304. The circular side wall of the star wheel carries the weight of room 30. Alternatively, a roller wheel could be attached adjacent each sprocket 212, 222 to engage a track extending along teeth 302, 306 and maintain spacing between teeth 308, 310 and teeth 302, 306, respectively, such that the roller wheels, not teeth 308, 310, carry the weight of room 30.

A slightly modified arrangement of the components of guide mechanism 250 is shown in Figures 13 and 14. As shown, bracket 254 simply includes a mounting plate 301 which extends substantially the length of wall 32, a rack 303 which also extends the length of wall 32 and projects from plate 301, and a lip 305 which extends the length of rack 303. Bracket 256 may be constructed in an identical fashion.

The upper portion of bracket 252 includes a slot 307 formed in outer wall 202, end walls 204, 206 to receive rack 303 and lip 305. The lower portion of bracket 252 is identical and will not be described in detail. Both sprockets 212 and 214 are mounted within interior space 211 on post 260. Post 260 extends between walls 202 and 210. Sprocket 212 is mounted on post 260 such that a portion of sprocket 212 extends into slot 307. Teeth 308 of sprocket 212 engage teeth 302 of rack 303 in the manner described above. The arrangement of Figures 13 and 14 permit reduced spacing between wall 32 and bracket 252, and enclose moving sprocket 212 within bracket 252.

Figure 15 shows guide mechanism 250 of Figure 12 including a drive mechanism 312. Like drive mechanism 180 of Figures 10 and 11, drive mechanism 312 includes a motor 314, a pair of drive wheels 316, 318, and a sublinkage 320. As shown, drive wheels 316, 318, and sublinkage or chain 320 may be disposed within interior space 211 of first bracket 252. Of course, these components could alternatively be situated outside first bracket 252. Drive wheel 316 includes an opening 322 having an interior surface that mates with the exterior surface of a drive rod 324 of motor 314. Drive wheel 316 also has circumferential teeth 323 which engage the links of sublinkage 320. Drive wheel 318 similarly includes circumferential teeth (not shown) and is mounted on post 230 between sprockets 222 and 224, vertically above drive wheel 316, within interior space 211. Sublinkage 320 extends around the circumferential teeth of drive wheels 316 and 318.

As motor 314 rotates drive shaft 324, drive wheel 316 rotates. This rotation is translated through sublinkage 320 to drive wheel 318. As drive wheel 318 rotates, post 230 rotates carrying with it sprocket 222 and sprocket 224. Sprocket 222 moves rack 304 in the manner described above. The rotation of sprocket 224 is translated to upper sprocket assembly 276 through linkage 270. As a result, sprocket 212 moves rack 300 at substantially the same speed of travel as that of rack 304.

Figures 16 and 17 depict guide mechanism 250 with an alternate embodiment drive mechanism 330. Like drive mechanism 312, drive mechanism 330 includes sublinkage 320 and drive wheels 316, 318. In this embodiment, however, motor 314 is mounted below floor 15 of main living area 42. Accordingly, drive wheel 316 is rigidly connected to another drive wheel 332 by a post 334 for rotation about post 334. Another sublinkage 336 connects drive wheel 332 to a drive wheel 338. Sublinkage 336 is substantially perpendicular to sublinkage 320. As motor 314 rotates drive wheel 338, sublinkage 336 causes simultaneous rotation of drive wheel 332. Rotation of drive wheel 332 causes rotation of drive wheel 316 which drives the upper and lower portions of the room 30 as described above.

Figure 18 shows drive mechanism 312 connected to guide mechanism 250 as shown in Figure 15. In this embodiment, a synchronizer linkage 348 extends between drive wheel 316 of drive mechanism 312 and a drive wheel 350 of a similar drive mechanism 352. Synchronizer linkage 348 is shown as a rigid rod 354 which is fixedly connected at one end to drive wheel 316 and at the other end to drive wheel 350. Accordingly, as motor 314 rotates drive wheel 316, the rotation is translated through rod 354 to drive wheel 350. As such, drive mechanism 312 and drive mechanism 352 drive their respective sides of room 30 in a synchronized fashion.

Figure 18 also shows a telescopic upper support 360 extending between the upper ends of first brackets 252, 452. Support 360 includes fixed end sections 362, 364 which are perpendicular to first brackets 252, 452, respectively. End sections 362, 364 are received by an intermediate section 366. Accordingly, the distance between first brackets 252 and 452 may be adjusted to correspond to the distance between edges 16 and 18 of opening 14 by telescopically moving sections 362, 364 into and out of intermediate section 366.

A telescopic lower support 370 may additionally be mounted between first brackets 252, 452. As shown, lower support 370 includes fixed end sections 372, 374 which are perpendicular to first brackets 252, 452, respectively. End sections 372, 374 are received by an intermediate section 376. Lower support 370 may be used to enclose and protect synchronizer linkage 348. Upper support 360 and lower support 370 together provide rigidity to the overall guide mechanism assembly and simplify installation.

Yet another embodiment of a drive mechanism for use with guide mechanism 50 (Figures 2-7) or guide mechanism 250 (Figure 12) is illustrated in Figures 19-22. Drive mechanism 500 is suited for use with a room 30 which does not lower when moved to the extended position such that floor 38 of the room is flush with floor 15 of main living area 42. Figures 23-25 show a drive mechanism 600 for use with rooms 30 having such a flush floor design. Referring now to Figures 19-22, drive mechanism 500 includes a gear bracket 502 which is sized to mount within the cut out lower edge 22 of opening 14. Bracket 502 includes end walls 504, 506 which are connected to mounting flanges 508, 510, respectively, a back wall 512 with mounting studs 514, a lower wall 516, a front wall 518, a reinforcement wall 520, and a gear assembly 521. Lower wall 516 includes openings 522, 524 for receiving a portion of gears 526, 528 of gear assembly 521. Each of gears 526, 528 includes circumferential teeth for driving room 30 as described in greater detail below. Gear 526 is connected for simultaneous rotation with gear 528 by shaft 530. Gear assembly 521 is mounted for rotational movement relative to lower wall 516 in any one of a variety of conventional ways. As shown in Figure 21, reinforcement wall 520 of bracket 502 is supported by a triangular brace 542 which is mounted to vehicle frame 544.

As shown in Figures 20 and 22, a pair of racks 532, 534 are mounted to floor 38 of slide out room 30. Racks 532, 534 are mounted in parallel relationship and spaced apart from one another a distance corresponding to the distance between gears 526, 528. Each rack includes a plurality of slots 536 which are spaced apart a distance corresponding to the distance between the circumferential teeth of gears 526, 528.

As best shown in Figure 22, a motor 538 may be connected through a drive shaft 540 to gear 528 (or gear 526). As motor 538 rotates drive shaft 540, gear 528 rotates. Shaft 530 transfers this rotation to gear 526. Both gears mesh with slots 536 of racks 532, 534 to cause room 30 to move outwardly or inwardly, depending on the direction of rotation. Accordingly, drive mechanism 500 prevents side-to-side misalignment of room 30. Of course, guide mechanism 50 or guide mechanism 250 may be used in conjunction with drive mechanism 500 to prevent misalignment between the upper and lower portions of room 30 during movement between the extended and retraced portions as explained above.

Figures 23-25 depict another embodiment of a drive mechanism 600 similar to drive mechanism 500 for use with a flush floor room 30 design. Components of drive mechanism 600 which are the same as components of drive mechanism 500 use the reference numerals of drive mechanism 500 increased by 100. In this embodiment, gears 626, 628 and shaft 630 are mounted in a standard fashion to an angled wall 646 of bracket 602. Angled wall 646 extends from the upper edge of bracket 602 downwardly with distance toward front wall 618. Angled wall 646 terminates at its front edge at shelf 648 which may be formed as a part of lower wall 616 (Figure 25).

Referring now to Figure 24, rack 632 includes a first portion 650 which is mounted to floor 38, an angled portion 652, and a mounting portion 654 which is mounted to a floor extension 662. Similarly, rack 634 includes a first portion 656, an angled portion 658, and a mounting portion 660. Angled portions 652, 658 extend between the lower surface of floor 38 and the lower surface of floor extension 662.

As best shown in Figure 25, as drive gear 628 is rotated (using, for example, a motor similar to that shown in Figure 22), the circumferential teeth of gear 628 engage slots 636 formed in first portion 650 of rack 632. Shaft 630 causes drive gear 626 to rotate in a like fashion such that gear 626 engages slots 636 of first portion 656 of rack 634. When room 30 is being moved to the extended position, gears 626, 628 rotate in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 25. Floor 38 of room 30 becomes flush at the end of the path of travel of room 30 as angled portion 652 travels downwardly on gear 628 and angled portion 658 travels downwardly on gear 626. When in the fully extended position, the lower surface of floor 38 rests on shelf 648 and the lower surface of extension 662 rests on the upper surface of floor 15 of main living area 42. As such, the upper surfaces of floor 38 and floor 15 are substantially flush. Guide mechanisms 50 may also be used with drive mechanism 600. When using guide mechanisms 50, cables 77, 79 should be tensioned to flex an amount sufficient to permit room 30 (and floor 38) to drop into a flush position.

Figure 26 shows brackets 754, 756 which may be used with drive mechanism 600. A first bracket, for example, bracket 252 of Figure 12, may be used to drive brackets 754,

756, thereby moving room 30 between the extended and retracted positions as explained above. Bracket 754 includes a first segment 755 which extends along side wall 32 substantially perpendicular to outer wall 40, and a second, angled segment 757 which follows the upward slope of the inner portion of room 30. Bracket 754 further includes first and second adjustment slots 759, 761, and a rack 700, including downwardly facing teeth 702. A pair of screws 763, 765 (or other adjustable fasteners) are used to mount bracket 754 to sidewall 32. Bracket 756 is identical in shape to bracket 754 and includes first segment 763, second segment 765, rack 767, teeth 769, first adjustment slot 771, second adjustment slot 773, and screws 775, 777.

In operation, as angled portions 652, 658 travel downwardly on gears 626, 628, respectively, when room 30 is moved into the extended position, second, angled segments

757, 765 travel downwardly relative to, for example, sprockets 212, 222 of Figure 12. Consequently, room 30 moves downwardly such that floor 38 becomes substantially flush with floor 15. Slots 759, 761, 771, 773 permit adjustment of brackets 754, 756 in a direction perpendicular to outer wall 40 relative to one another, and relative to outer wall 40. This adjustment results in an adjustment of the tilt of room 30 clockwise or counter-clockwise as viewed in Figure 26. For example, if bracket 754 is shifted relative to bracket 756 slightly toward outer wall 40, as room 30 approaches its extended position, segment 757 will begin its downward travel slightly before segment 765, thereby producing a slight clockwise tilt when room 30 is fully extended.

Although the present invention has been shown and described in detail, the same is to be taken by way of example only and not by way of limitation. Numerous changes can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the invention. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.

Claims

1. Apparatus for a vehicle slide out room being movable through an opening (14) in a side wall (12) of the vehicle (10) between a retracted position within a main living area of the vehicle and an extended position extending outwardly from the main living area, the apparatus being characterized in that said apparatus is comprised of a linkage means (50, 60; 150; 250; 450) positioned between said slide out room and said vehicle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that said linkage means is comprised of first and second guide means (50, 60; 250; 450), where each guide means includes a guide mechanism (52; 252; 452) attached to the vehicle side wall (16, 18) adjacent an edge of the opening; and a linkage (70; 270; 470) attached to the room (30) and guided by said guide mechanisms (52; 252; 452), whereby an upper portion of the room (30) moves in substantial unison relative to a lower portion of the room as the room is moved between the retracted and extended positions.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, characterized in that each guide mechanism (52; 252; 452) is in the form of a first bracket (52; 252; 452) mounted to the vehicle side wall adjacent an edge of the opening; and the linkage (70; 270) is connected between the room and the first bracket (52; 252; 452).

4. The apparatus of claim 3, characterized in that each said guide mechanism (52) includes a pair of pulleys (76, 78) mounted to the first bracket (100), and said linkage (70) is comprised of a pair of cables (77, 79), each cable extending around each pulley (76, 78) between the upper portion of the room and the lower portion of the room.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, characterized in that said cables (77, 79) move in opposite directions relative to the pulleys (76, 78) as the room is moved between the retracted and extended positions.

6. The apparatus of any of claims 3-5, further characterized by a second bracket (54, 254, 454) mounted to the upper portion of the room and a third bracket (56, 256, 456) mounted to the lower portion of the room, the linkage (70) being connected to the brackets (54, 56; 254, 256; 454, 456) such that the second and third brackets (54, 56; 254, 256; 454, 456) move substantially in unison relative to the first bracket as the room is moved between the retracted and extended positions.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, characterized in that each of the second (54) and third (56) brackets includes a pair of opposite ends, one of said cables (77, 79) extending between one end of the second bracket (54) and one end of the third bracket (56), and the other of said cables (77, 79) extending between the other end of the second bracket (54) and the other end of the third bracket (56).

8. The apparatus of any of claims 4-7, wherein each pulley (76, 78) has a pair of parallel grooves (112, 114; 122, 124), each groove receiving a respective one of the cables (77, 79).

9. The apparatus of any of claims 6-8, characterized in that the second and the third brackets (54, 56) are mounted to the room substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the first bracket (52).

10. The apparatus of any claims 1-3, characterized in that said linkage (270) is comprised of a gear linkage.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, characterized in said gear linkage (270; 470) is comprised of at least one gear rack (300, 304) and means (277, 276, 274) to drive said gear rack.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, characterized in that said linkage is comprised of a first bracket (252; 452) mounted to the vehicle side wall adjacent an edge of the opening, a second bracket (254; 454) mounted to an upper portion of the room, the second bracket including an upper rack (300) extending along the length of the second bracket, a third bracket (256; 456) mounted to a lower portion of the room, the third bracket including a lower rack (304) extending along the length of the third bracket, and an upper sprocket (276) for driving the upper rack, a lower sprocket (274) for driving the lower rack, and a chain loop (270) extending around the upper and lower sprockets (276, 274) such that the sprockets rotate at substantially the same speed as the room is moved between the retracted and extended positions.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, characterized in that the upper rack (300) includes teeth spaced to engage teeth on the upper sprocket (274) and the lower rack (304) includes teeth spaced to engage teeth on the lower sprocket (274), the upper rack teeth being directed toward the lower rack and the lower rack teeth being directed away from the upper rack.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the chain loop (270) is disposed within the first bracket (252), the upper rack being received within an upper slot (307) formed in the first bracket, and the lower rack being received within a lower slot formed in the first bracket.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, characterized in that said upper sprocket (300) extends into the upper slot (307) to engage the upper rack and the lower sprocket (304) extends into the lower slot to engage the lower rack.

16. The apparatus of any of claims 12-15, characterized in that said second and third brackets (254, 256) are mounted to the room substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the first bracket.

17. The apparatus of any of the proceeding claims, further characterized by a drive mechanism (150, 180, 312) connected to one of the linkages (70, 270) to move the room (30) between the retracted and extended positions.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, characterized in that said drive mechanism (150) is mounted within the first bracket of the one guide mechanism.

19. The apparatus of either of claims 17-18, characterized in that said drive mechanism includes a first drive loop (158, 277) interconnected with said linkage.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, characterized in that said drive mechanism (150) further includes a hydraulic cylinder (156) connected to the first drive loop (158) thereby moving the room between the retracted and extended positions.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, characterized in that said drive mechanism (180, 312) further includes a motor (182, 312) connected to the linkage (70, 270) thereby moving the room between the retracted and extended positions.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, characterized in that said drive mechanism (180) includes a motor (182) connected to one of the pulleys to rotate the pulley.

23. The apparatus of any of claims 19, characterized in that said drive mechanism further includes a second drive loop (320, 336) for driving said first drive loop.

24. The apparatus of any proceeding claim further characterized by a synchronizer linkage (370) connected between the first and second linkage means.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, characterized in that said linkage means includes a pair of drive wheels (274, 276) mounted to the first bracket (252), and a linkage (270) extending around each drive wheel between the second (254) and the third (256) bracket, the synchronizer linkage (370) including a first wheel (318) connected to one of the drive wheels (274) of the first guide mechanism to rotate as the one drive wheel rotates, a second wheel (318) connected to one of the drive wheels of the second guide mechanism to rotate as the one drive wheel rotates, a third wheel (316) connected to the first wheel by a first sub-linkage (320) to rotate as the first wheel rotates, a fourth wheel (316) connected to the second wheel by a second sub-linkage (320) to rotate as the second wheel rotates, and a rod (354) connected between the third and fourth wheels.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, characterized in that said synchronizer linkage includes a first wheel connected for rotation with the lower sprocket of the first guide mechanism, a second wheel connected for rotation with the lower sprocket of the second guide mechanism, and a rod connected between the first and second wheels.

27. The apparatus of any of the preceding claims further characterized by a drive mechanism (500) for moving the room between the retracted and extended positions including a rack (532) mounted to a floor of the room, a gear (526) mounted adjacent a lower edge of the opening for driving the rack, and a motor (538) to rotate the gear.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, characterized in that said drive mechanism further includes a second rack (534) mounted to the floor, a second gear (528) mounted adjacent the lower edge of the opening for driving the second rack, and a shaft (530) extending between the first and second gears to provide simultaneous rotation of the gears.

29. The apparatus of either claim 27 or 28, characterized in that said rack includes an angled portion (652, 658) which permits lowering of the floor into a substantially flush relationship with a floor of the main living area as the room reaches the extended position.

30. A recreational vehicle having a vehicle main room and slide out room movable through an opening characterized by an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims attached between the opening and said slide out rooms.