U.S. patent application number 09/742228 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-18 for slide-out compartment for a vehicle.
Invention is credited to Clancy, Gerald W., Hiebert, Grant W., Smith, Ewan.
Application Number | 20010030437 09/742228 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22624607 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010030437 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hiebert, Grant W. ; et
al. |
October 18, 2001 |
Slide-out compartment for a vehicle
Abstract
The apparatus of the present invention for selectively actuable
relative movement in a first direction between a first vehicle
compartment mountable or mounted to a second vehicle compartment
includes a first actuator mounted to the first vehicle compartment
for actuation in a second direction of a follower mounted on a
distal end of the actuator. An elongate channel is mounted to the
second vehicle compartment in a first plane substantially parallel
to a plane containing both the first direction and the second
direction. The second direction is angularly offset in the first
plane from the first direction. The channel is generally diagonally
offset in the first plane from the second direction. The follower
is mountable or mounted in the channel for sliding engagement
therealong upon actuation of the first actuator. Actuation of the
first actuator causes the relative translation between the first
and second vehicle compartments.
Inventors: |
Hiebert, Grant W.; (Salmon
Arm, CA) ; Clancy, Gerald W.; (Salmon Arm, CA)
; Smith, Ewan; (Salmon Arm, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ANTONY C. EDWARDS
BISHOP & COMPANY
SUITE 206, 347 LEON AVENUE
KELOWNA
BC
V1Y 8C7
CA
|
Family ID: |
22624607 |
Appl. No.: |
09/742228 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60171651 |
Dec 27, 1999 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
296/26.01 ;
296/26.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 3/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/26.01 ;
296/26.13 |
International
Class: |
B60P 003/34 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for selectively actuable relative movement between
vehicle compartments comprising: a first vehicle compartment
mountable to a second vehicle compartment for relative translation
therebetween in a first direction, a first actuator mounted to said
first vehicle compartment for actuation in a second direction of a
follower mounted on a distal end of said actuator, an elongate
channel mounted to said second vehicle compartment in a first plane
substantially parallel to a plane containing both said first
direction and said second direction, said second direction
angularly offset in said first plane from said first direction,
said channel generally diagonally offset in said first plane from
said second direction, said follower mountable in said channel for
sliding engagement therealong upon actuation of said first
actuator, wherein actuation of said first actuator causes said
relative translation between said first and second vehicle
compartments.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first vehicle compartment
is a vehicle and wherein said second vehicle compartment is a
laterally-extendable compartment for said vehicle, wherein said
laterally extendable compartment is laterally translatably
mountable into said aperture in a side of a vehicle for lateral
extension therefrom in said first direction into an extended
position and for lateral retraction thereinto into a retracted
position, wherein in said retracted position a laterally outer
surface of said laterally extendable compartment is generally flush
with a laterally outer surface of said vehicle, and wherein in said
extended position said laterally extendable compartment is
cantilevered laterally outwardly from said aperture and said
laterally outer surface of said vehicle, wherein said channel is
mounted to said laterally extendable compartment, said first plane
parallel to said floor, wherein actuation of said follower by
translation of said follower in said second direction is generally
perpendicular to said first direction, wherein actuation of said
actuator so as to translate said follower in said second direction
forces relative lateral translation in said first direction between
said laterally extendable compartment and said vehicle.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said channel is, in plan view,
angled generally diagonally from a first end of said channel
disposed towards the interior of said vehicle to an opposite second
end of said channel disposed towards the exterior of said vehicle
so that, with said first actuator mounted so that said second
direction is substantially perpendicular to said first direction,
said first actuator is adjacent said second end of said channel and
retracted when said laterally extendable compartment is in said
fully retracted position, and said first actuator is adjacent said
first end of said channel and extended when said laterally
extendable compartment is in said fully extended position.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said channel is substantially
linear.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said channel forms an acute
angle of generally 60 degrees between said channel and said second
direction on a side of said channel opposite from said first
actuator.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said first actuator is mounted
to a vehicle frame member extending longitudinally along said
vehicle and underneath a floor of said laterally extendable
compartment, and wherein said channel is mounted to an underside of
said floor of said laterally extendable compartment.
7. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said first and second ends of
said channel have corresponding first and second notches formed in
side surfaces of said first and second ends for parking said
follower into said first or second notches out of operative
alignment with the length of said channel extending from said first
end to said second end when said laterally extendable compartment
is in said fully extended or retracted positions respectively.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first and second notches
are angled end portions of said channel.
9. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said laterally extendable
compartment includes a compartment floor and wherein said vehicle
includes a vehicle floor, and wherein said compartment floor is
substantially parallel to at least a portion of said vehicle floor
adjacent said laterally extendable compartment when in said
retracted position, and wherein said vehicle floor includes a
retractable floor panel, retractable beneath said compartment floor
when said laterally extendable compartment is in said retracted
position, and elevatable so as to be flush with said portion of
said vehicle floor when said laterally extendable compartment is in
said fully extended position, said floor panel retractable and
extendable by actuation of a second actuator mounted to and between
said floor panel and a vehicle frame member.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said second actuator is a
linear actuator actuating a pivotal linkage pivotally mounted to
said linear actuator and said floor panel.
11. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said laterally extendable
compartment is mountable in said aperture on rails.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said rails are a pair of
rails, one rail of said pair of rails on opposite longitudinal ends
of said laterally extendable compartment, said pair of rails
slidably mounted on slides oppositely mounted on either side of
each said rail to longitudinal ends of said laterally extendable
compartment and corresponding longitudinal ends of said
aperture.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said rails are, in vertical
cross-section, generally Z-shaped, said slides slidably mountable
to ends of said Z-shape so as to mount said slides mounted to said
longitudinal ends of said aperture in vertically spaced relation to
said slides mounted to said longitudinal ends of said laterally
extendable compartment.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said slides mounted to said
longitudinal ends of said aperture generally, at least in part,
vertically align over said slides mounted to said longitudinal ends
of said laterally extendable compartment.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said channel is a first
channel and said follower is a first follower, said apparatus
further comprising a second channel parallel to said first channel
and lying in said first plane, a second follower rigidly mounted
to, and longitudinally spaced apart from, said first follower by a
rigid spacer, said second follower slidably engaging said second
channel and forceably sliding therealong upon actuation of said
first actuator.
16. An apparatus for selectively actuable relative movement between
vehicle compartments comprising: a first vehicle compartment
mounted to a second vehicle compartment for relative translation
therebetween in a first direction, a first actuator mounted to said
first vehicle compartment for actuation in a second direction of a
follower mounted on a distal end of said actuator, an elongate
channel mounted to said second vehicle compartment in a first plane
substantially parallel to a plane containing both said first
direction and said second direction, said second direction
angularly offset in said first plane from said first direction,
said channel generally diagonally offset in said first plane from
said second direction, said follower mounted in said channel for
sliding engagement therealong upon actuation of said first
actuator, wherein actuation of said first actuator causes said
relative translation between said first and second vehicle
compartments.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said first vehicle
compartment is a vehicle and wherein said second vehicle
compartment is a laterally-extendable compartment for said vehicle,
wherein said laterally extendable compartment is laterally
translatably mounted into said aperture in a side of a vehicle for
lateral extension therefrom in said first direction into an
extended position and for lateral retraction thereinto into a
retracted position, wherein in said retracted position a laterally
outer surface of said laterally extendable compartment is generally
flush with a laterally outer surface of said vehicle, and wherein
in said extended position said laterally extendable compartment is
cantilevered laterally outwardly from said aperture and said
laterally outer surface of said vehicle, wherein said channel is
mounted to said laterally extendable compartment, said first plane
parallel to said floor, wherein actuation of said follower by
translation of said follower in said second direction is generally
perpendicular to said first direction, wherein actuation of said
actuator so as to translate said follower in said second direction
forces relative lateral translation in said first direction between
said laterally extendable compartment and said vehicle.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said channel is, in plan
view, angled generally diagonally from a first end of said channel
disposed towards the interior of said vehicle to an opposite second
end of said channel disposed towards the exterior of said vehicle
so that, with said first actuator mounted so that said second
direction is substantially perpendicular to said first direction,
said first actuator is adjacent said second end of said channel and
retracted when said laterally extendable compartment is in said
fully retracted position, and said first actuator is adjacent said
first end of said channel and extended when said laterally
extendable compartment is in said fully extended position.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said channel is substantially
linear.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said channel forms an acute
angle of generally 60 degrees between said channel and said second
direction on a side of said channel opposite from said first
actuator.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said first actuator is
mounted to a vehicle frame member extending longitudinally along
said vehicle and underneath a floor of said laterally extendable
compartment, and wherein said channel is mounted to an underside of
said floor of said laterally extendable compartment.
22. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said first and second ends of
said channel have corresponding first and second notches formed in
side surfaces of said first and second ends for parking said
follower into said first or second notches out of operative
alignment with the length of said channel extending from said first
end to said second end when said laterally extendable compartment
is in said fully extended or retracted positions respectively.
23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said first and second notches
are angled end portions of said channel.
24. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said laterally extendable
compartment includes a compartment floor and wherein said vehicle
includes a vehicle floor, and wherein said compartment floor is
substantially parallel to at least a portion of said vehicle floor
adjacent said laterally extendable compartment when in said
retracted position, and wherein said vehicle floor includes a
retractable floor panel, retractable beneath said compartment floor
when said laterally extendable compartment is in said retracted
position, and elevatable so as to be flush with said portion of
said vehicle floor when said laterally extendable compartment is in
said fully extended position, said floor panel retractable and
extendable by actuation of a second actuator mounted to and between
said floor panel and a vehicle frame member.
25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said second actuator is a
linear actuator actuating a pivotal linkage pivotally mounted to
said linear actuator and said floor panel.
26. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said laterally extendable
compartment is mounted in said aperture on rails.
27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said rails are a pair of
rails, one rail of said pair of rails on opposite longitudinal ends
of said laterally extendable compartment, said pair of rails
slidably mounted on slides oppositely mounted on either side of
each said rail to longitudinal ends of said laterally extendable
compartment and corresponding longitudinal ends of said
aperture.
28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said rails are, in vertical
cross-section, generally Z-shaped, said slides slidably mounted to
ends of said Z-shape so as to mount said slides mounted to said
longitudinal ends of said aperture in vertically spaced relation to
said slides mounted to said longitudinal ends of said laterally
extendable compartment.
29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said slides mounted to said
longitudinal ends of said aperture generally, at least in part,
vertically align over said slides mounted to said longitudinal ends
of said laterally extendable compartment.
30. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said channel is a first
channel and said follower is a first follower, said apparatus
further comprising a second channel parallel to said first channel
and lying in said first plane, a second follower rigidly mounted
to, and longitudinally spaced apart from, said first follower by a
rigid spacer, said second follower slidably engaging said second
channel and forceably sliding therealong upon actuation of said
first actuator.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/171,651 filed Dec. 27, 1999 titled
Mechanism for a Bus Slide-Out Compartment.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to devices for expanding the useable
space within a vehicle and in particular to slide-out compartments
for vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is known that the interior space of vehicles such as
buses and recreational vehicles is limited by the exterior
dimensions of the vehicle and in particular the width of the
vehicle. In many cases the width of the vehicle is limited by a
maximum allowable width for vehicles travelling on conventional
roadways as determined and enforced by governmental bodies. As an
example, in some jurisidictions, the width of recreational vehicles
is limited to approximately 81/2 feet. However, when the vehicle
has been parked it is desirable to enlarge the useable space of the
recreational vehicle beyond the maximum vehicle width allowable
during use of the vehicle on the roadways. Thus in the prior art,
applicant is aware of awnings and the like which extend laterally
outwardly of the side of a parked recreational vehicle so as to
provide additional room which is somewhat sheltered from the
elements for use by the users of the recreational vehicle.
[0004] Also in the prior art, applicant is aware of U.S. Pat. No.
5,860,686 which issued Jan. 19, 1999 to Tiedge for a vehicle with
adjustable occupancy space. Tiedge teaches an expandable occupiable
section moveably coupled to a fixed section of a vehicle. The
expandable section is selectively positionable on a carriage
relative to the vehicle so as to adjust the volume of the living
space of the vehicle. An actuator such as a threaded shaft and
motor, rotates an arm so as to translate the expandable section
relative to the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In summary, the apparatus of the present invention for
selectively actuable relative movement in a first direction between
a first vehicle compartment mountable or mounted to a second
vehicle compartment includes a first actuator mounted to the first
vehicle compartment for actuation in a second direction of a
follower mounted on a distal end of the actuator. An elongate
channel is mounted to the second vehicle compartment in a first
plane substantially parallel to a plane containing both the first
direction and the second direction. The second direction is
angularly offset in the first plane from the first direction. The
channel is generally diagonally offset in the first plane from the
second direction. The follower is mountable or mounted in the
channel for sliding engagement therealong upon actuation of the
first actuator. Actuation of the first actuator causes the relative
translation between the first and second vehicle compartments.
[0006] The first vehicle compartment may be a vehicle and the
second vehicle compartment may be a laterally-extendable
compartment for the vehicle. The laterally extendable compartment
may be laterally translatably mountable or mounted into the
aperture in a side of a vehicle for lateral extension therefrom in
the first direction into an extended position and for lateral
retraction thereinto into a retracted position.
[0007] In the retracted position a laterally outer surface of the
laterally extendable compartment may be generally flush with a
laterally outer surface of the vehicle. In the extended position
the laterally extendable compartment is cantilevered laterally
outwardly from the aperture and the laterally outer surface of the
vehicle.
[0008] The channel may be mounted to the laterally extendable
compartment wherein the first plane is parallel to the floor.
Herein, reference to mounting of the channel is intended to include
any manner of mounting of, or forming into, a channel member or
channel shape respectively to or into the floor. Actuation of the
follower by translation of the follower in the second direction may
be generally perpendicular to the first direction. Actuation of the
actuator so as to translate the follower in the second direction
forces relative lateral translation in the first direction between
the laterally extendable compartment and the vehicle.
[0009] The channel may be, in plan view, angled generally
diagonally from a first end of the channel disposed towards the
interior of the vehicle to an opposite second end of the channel
disposed towards the exterior of the vehicle. Thus, with the first
actuator mounted so that the second direction is substantially
perpendicular to the first direction, the first actuator may be
adjacent the second end of the channel and retracted when the
laterally extendable compartment is in the fully retracted
position. The first actuator may be adjacent the first end of the
channel and extended when the laterally extendable compartment is
in the fully extended position. The channel may be substantially
linear and may form an acute angle of generally 60 degrees between
the channel and the second direction on a side of the channel
opposite from the first actuator.
[0010] The first actuator may be mounted to a vehicle frame member
extending longitudinally along the vehicle and underneath a floor
of the laterally extendable compartment. The first and second ends
of the channel may have corresponding first and second notches
formed in side surfaces of the first and second ends for parking
the follower into the first or second notches. When so parked, the
follower is out of operative alignment with the length of the
channel extending from the first end to the second end when the
laterally extendable compartment is in the fully extended or
retracted positions respectively. The first and second notches may
be angled end portions of the channel.
[0011] The laterally extendable compartment includes a compartment
floor. The compartment floor is substantially parallel to at least
a portion of the vehicle floor adjacent the laterally extendable
compartment when in the retracted position. The vehicle floor
includes a retractable floor panel, retractable beneath the
compartment floor when the laterally extendable compartment is in
the retracted position, and elevatable so as to be flush with the
portion of the vehicle floor when the laterally extendable
compartment is in the fully extended position. The floor panel may
be retractable and extendable by actuation of a second actuator
mounted to and between the floor panel and a vehicle frame member.
The second actuator may be a linear actuator actuating a pivotal
linkage pivotally mounted to the linear actuator and the floor
panel.
[0012] The laterally extendable compartment may be mountable or
mounted in the aperture on rails. The rails may be a pair of rails,
one rail of the pair of rails on opposite longitudinal end of the
laterally extendable compartment. The pair of rails may be slidably
mounted on slides oppositely mounted on either side of each rail.
One rail may be mounted to each longitudinal ends of the laterally
extendable compartment and corresponding longitudinal ends of the
aperture in the side of the vehicle.
[0013] The rails may be, in vertical cross-section, generally
Z-shaped. The slides may be slidably mountable to ends of the
Z-shape so as to mount the slides mounted to the longitudinal ends
of the aperture in vertically spaced relation to the slides mounted
to the longitudinal ends of the laterally extendable compartment.
The slides may be mounted to the longitudinal ends of the aperture
so as to generally, that is so as to at least in part, vertically
align over the slides mounted to the longitudinal ends of the
laterally extendable compartment.
[0014] The channel may be a first channel and the follower a first
follower, so that the apparatus further includes a second channel
parallel to the first channel and lying in the first plane, and a
second follower rigidly mounted to, and longitudinally spaced apart
from, the first follower by a rigid spacer. The second follower
slidably engages the second channel and forceably slides therealong
upon actuation of the first actuator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a vehicle having
incorporated therein fore and aft slide-out room compartments
illustrated in the fully outwardly extended position.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a slide-out room
compartment partially broken away.
[0017] FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view along line 3-3 of FIG.
2.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an enlarged right side elevational view of the
slide-out room supporting mechanism of FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the slide-out
room supporting mechanism of FIG. 3.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the slide-out room
supporting mechanism of FIG. 4 in the fully retracted position.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the slide-out room
supporting mechanism of FIG. 6 in a partially extended
position.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the slide-out room
supporting mechanism of FIG. 7 in a fully extended position.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective partially cut-away view generally
along line 9-9 of FIG. 2, illustrating both the actuating mechanism
and one of the pair of supporting mechanisms for the slide-out room
compartment.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating the floor frame of the
slide-out room compartment, with both the slide-out compartment and
the actuating mechanism in the fully retracted position.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating the slide-out
compartment and the actuating mechanism of FIG. 10 in a partially
extended position.
[0026] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 10.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken on line 13-13 of FIG.
9.
[0028] FIG. 14 is the view of FIG. 15 with the slide-out
compartment retracted.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a partially cut-away sectional view along line
15-15 in FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0030] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a
vehicle 10 incorporating fore and aft slide-out room compartments
12. Vehicle 10 may be, without limitation, a bus, coach,
recreational vehicle or the like. Although two slide-out
compartments are illustrated, this is not intended to be limiting
as one or more slide-out compartments in any one vehicle are
intended to fall within the scope of the invention. Slide-out
compartments 12 are normally retracted so as to be generally flush
with the sides of the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion. Once
the vehicle is parked, slide-out compartments 12 may be translated
laterally outwardly of the vehicle sides to expand the interior
living space of the vehicle, that is, by lateral translation in
direction A of compartments 12 outwardly of side walls 16.
Slide-out compartments 12 are laterally slidable within an opening
14 formed within a side wall 16 of the vehicle. Each compartment 12
may have a roof 18, opposed end walls 20, a side wall 22 and floor
24 which enclose an interior living space. Side wall 22 of
slide-out compartment 12 may be generally parallel to side wall 16
of the vehicle. The perimeter 14a of wall opening 14 is formed or
adapted so as to provide a weather seal against the exterior
surfaces of slide-out room compartments 12.
[0031] Slide-out compartments 12 may be fabricated from stainless
steel or other structurally rigid, relatively light weight
material. The lateral translation within opening 14 of slide-out
room compartment 12 in direction A, and in a direction opposite to
direction A, that is, in a direction orthogonal to side walls 16,
is accomplished by use of slide-out support mechanisms 30 and
slide-out actuator mechanism 32.
[0032] With reference to FIGS. 3-8, slide-out support mechanisms 30
comprise first upper and lower `C` shaped brackets 36a and 36b
respectively which are mounted to frame members 38 of vehicle 10.
Second upper and lower `C` shaped brackets 40a and 40b respectively
are mounted to frame members 42 of slide-out compartment 12.
Brackets 36a, 36b and 40a, 40b each translate relative to rails 50
on roller bearings 44 sandwiched between the brackets and
rails.
[0033] Upper and lower `Z` shaped brackets 48 have an intermediate
web portion 48a and integrally formed, end flanges 48b. Rails 50
are mounted to flanges 48b so as to be oriented toward, i.e. into
the openings of, `C` shaped brackets 36a, 36b and 40a, 40b. Rails
50 are slidably joumalled in `C` shaped brackets 36a, 36b and 40a,
40b, for freely sliding travel therethrough on roller bearings 44.
It is understood that the bearings might be replaced with other
slides or sliding means such as plastic slides. `Z` shaped brackets
48, because of their cross-sectional shape, reduce the amount of
separation between vehicle frame members 38 and slide-out
compartment frame members 12.
[0034] Stops 52 are mounted near each longitudinal end of flanges
48b of `Z` shaped brackets 48. `C` shaped brackets 36a, 36b and
40a, 40b engage stops 52 near the limit of travel of the brackets
along the rails so as to stop the brackets from running off the
ends of the rails.
[0035] In FIG. 6, one slide-out support mechanism 30 is depicted
fully retracted, that is, when compartment 12 is retracted within
vehicle 10. As actuator mechanism 32, seen in FIGS. 9-13, is
actuated as better described below, slide-out compartment 12
translates laterally outward of vehicle 10 in direction A. It may
be that in one embodiment, not intended to be limiting, relatively
low friction between roller bearings 44 and both the inner surfaces
of `C` shaped brackets 36a, 36b, 40a, 40b and rails 50 provide for
slide-out 12 to translate in direction A independently from any
movement of `Z` shaped bracket 48 and attached rails 50 so that as
seen in FIGS. 6-8, firstly, brackets 40a and 40b (mounted to
slide-out frame members 42) slide relative to rails 50, rails 50
remaining stationary relative to brackets 36a and 36b (mounted to
frame members 38 of vehicle 10). Once brackets 40a and 40b engage
stops 52a on rails 50, rails 50 commence translation in direction A
relative to brackets 36a and 36b until stops 52b engage brackets
36a and 36.
[0036] Actuator mechanism 32 may be a linear actuator including a
piston (or other prime mover) housing 56 and a telescopic ram 58.
The actuator may be electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically
actuated. Actuator mechanism 32 may be mounted below the normal
flooring of vehicle 10, as close as practicable to side wall 16.
Housing 56 of actuator may be securely mounted to horizontal frame
members 60 of vehicle 10 so as to resist forces resulting from
extension or retraction of ram 58. By use of the retractable
vehicle flooring better described below, actuator mechanism 32 may
be positioned so that floor 24 of slide-out compartment 12 is flush
with the floor of the vehicle.
[0037] The distal end 62 of ram 58 is rigidly mounted, by bracket
63, to elongate coupler shaft 64. Shaft 64 extends parallel to the
longitudinal axis of ram 58 and carries, rotatably mounted thereon,
cam follower wheel 68 at each of its ends. Coupler shaft 64 and cam
follower wheels 68 are maintained in parallel alignment with the
longitudinal axis of ram 58 during its extension and retraction
cycle by `C` shaped brackets 66, mounted to coupler shaft 64,
sliding along rails 70 mounted on vehicle frame members 60.
Follower wheels 68 are mounted into parallel cam recesses or
channels 72 machined into the underside of cam plates 74. Coupler
shaft 64 may be replaced by other means (hydraulic, electrical
drive by way of example not intended to be limiting) for
synchronizing the cam followers for simultaneous sliding of
follower wheels 68 along channels 72. Angled parking notches 76 may
be formed at the ends of cam channels 72. When ram 58 is either
fully extended or fully retracted, cam follower wheels 68 are
removed from cam channels 72 and are parked nested within the
notches 76. This inhibits unintended lateral movement (i.e. in
direction A) of slide-out compartment 12. Cam plates 74 are mounted
to the frame members on the underside of slide-out compartment
12.
[0038] Actuation of mechanism 32 results in the extension of ram 58
in direction B. With slide-out compartment 12 in the fully
retracted position as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 12, cam follower
wheels 68 are firstly removed from the locking position within
angled notches 76 at the ends of cam channels 72. Further travel of
ram 58 in direction B results in wheels 68 applying a force in
direction B against the forward side surfaces 80 of cam channels
72. As movement of housing 58 is prevented by reason of its
mounting to vehicle frame 60, wheels 68 are forced against and
along surfaces 80 by a vector component in direction A of the force
applied in direction B. Channels 72 are angled so as to produce the
force vector component in direction A, which in result produces the
lateral translation of slide-out compartments 12. Channels 72 may
be angled by an angle .alpha. of approximately 60 degrees. As
wheels 58 are directly connected for simultaneous movement with ram
58 by coupler shaft 64, slide-out compartment 12 moves laterally
outward in a direction parallel to support mechanism 30. Once fully
extended, wheels 68 park in angled notches 76' so as to lock out
unintended lateral movement of the compartment.
[0039] Slide-out compartment 12 may be translated in a lateral
direction opposite to direction A so as to retract the compartment
by movement of ram 58 in a direction opposite to direction B. A
force is applied against rearward side surfaces 82 of cam channels
72 by wheels 68, resulting in an inwardly lateral translation of
slide-out compartment 12, inwardly into vehicle 10.
[0040] As seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, with slide-out compartment 12
either fully retracted as seen in FIG. 14 or during deployment of
slide-out compartment 12 into its fully deployed position as seen
in FIG. 15, retractable floor panel 84 remains in its lowered
position so as to provide clearance for the floor of compartment 12
in the embodiment in which the floor of compartment 12 is mounted
generally flush with the interior floor of vehicle 10. Once
compartment 12 has been fully extended, retractable floor panel 84
may be elevated for example by means of actuator 86 rotating arms
88 about pins or shafts 90. The pivoting linkage provides the
vertical lift of the floor panel by means of a cam follower that is
captured in a horizontal channel in the floor. This floor movement
is then further restricted to a vertical direction by the
vertically oriented pins which are fastened to the underside of the
floor and which slide through bushings that are fixed into the
coach frame below the floor. Thus, selective actuation of actuator
86 provides for elevation of floor panel 84 while maintaining floor
panel 84 parallel to the interior floor 92 of vehicle 10 and floor
24 of compartment 12.
[0041] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light
of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are
possible in the practice of this invention without departing from
the spirit or scope thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the
invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance
defined by the following claims.
* * * * *