U.S. patent application number 15/222490 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-02 for arcuate slide out drive assembly for enclosure.
The applicant listed for this patent is NORCO INDUSTRIES, INC.. Invention is credited to Bernard F. GARCEAU, Timothy D. SCHULTZ.
Application Number | 20170028898 15/222490 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57886793 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170028898 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GARCEAU; Bernard F. ; et
al. |
February 2, 2017 |
ARCUATE SLIDE OUT DRIVE ASSEMBLY FOR ENCLOSURE
Abstract
A drive assembly for a slide out in an expandable enclosure, the
drive assembly comprising a beam attached to a beam guide in an
arcuate support rail attachable to the slide out, the beam having a
first row of teeth and a second row of teeth thereon, the first row
of teeth and the second row of teeth extending, parallel to each
other on opposite sides of the beam wherein the teeth in the first
row of teeth are offset relative to the teeth in the second row of
teeth and a drive gear having a first gear Wheel engageable with
the first row of teeth and a second gear wheel engageable with the
second row of teeth, and an actuator coupled to the beam to
selectively extend and retract the beam. The beam can deflect with
respect to the arcuate support rail based on its location and the
location of the beam guide to aid in leveling of the slide out.
Inventors: |
GARCEAU; Bernard F.;
(Vandalia, MI) ; SCHULTZ; Timothy D.; (Mishawaka,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NORCO INDUSTRIES, INC. |
Compton |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57886793 |
Appl. No.: |
15/222490 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62199753 |
Jul 31, 2015 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16H 35/18 20130101;
F16H 19/04 20130101; B60P 3/34 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60P 3/34 20060101
B60P003/34; F16H 19/04 20060101 F16H019/04 |
Claims
1. A drive assembly for a slide out in an expandable enclosure, the
drive assembly comprising: a beam attachable to the slide out, the
beam having a first row of teeth and a second row of teeth thereon,
the first row of teeth and the second row of teeth extending
parallel to each other on opposite sides of the beam; a beam guide
attached to the beam; an arcuate support rail enclosing at least a
portion of the beam guide; a drive gear having a first gear wheel
engageable with the first row of teeth and a second gear wheel
engageable with the second row of teeth; and an actuator coupled to
the beam to selectively extend and retract the beam, the angular
orientation of the slide out Changes according to an angle of the
beam in relation to the arcuate support rail based on the position
of the beam guide.
2. The drive assembly of claim 1, wherein the teeth in the first
row of teeth are offset relative to the teeth in the second row of
teeth.
3. The drive assembly of claim 2, wherein the first gear wheel is
rotationally offset relative to the second gear wheel.
4. The drive assembly of claim 1, further comprising a belt that
drives the drive gear.
5. The drive assembly of claim 1, wherein the arcuate support rail
is symmetrical.
6. The drive assembly of claim 1, further comprising a guide
coupler that statically fastened to the beam and arranged to rotate
about the beam guide.
7. The drive assembly of claim 1, wherein the arcuate support rail
defines a channel that receives the beam and supports the beam as
it extends and retracts.
8. The drive assembly of claim 7 further comprising a stop provided
at a rear portion of the channel to adjust the length of the
channel.
9. The drive assembly of claim 1 wherein the actuator comprises an
electric cylinder that interconnects the actuator to the beam, the
electric cylinder extending or retracting the beam from the arcuate
support rail.
10. The drive assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator further
comprises an antenna.
11. The drive assembly of claim 10, the actuator being capable of
remote operation.
12. The drive assembly of claim 1, wherein the drive gear having
the first gear wheel and the second gear wheel is mounted on a
common hub.
13. The drive assembly of claim 12, wherein the common hub further
comprises a support wheel that engages the beam between the first
row of teeth and the second row of teeth to allow free movement of
the beam in an axial direction.
14. The drive assembly of claim 13, wherein the support wheel is
mounted on at least one bearing so that the support wheel rotates
independently of the hub.
15. The drive assembly of claim 12 further comprising a stub shaft
that axially extends from the common hub and is connected to the
common hub such that rotation of the stub shaft causes the first
gear wheel and the second gear wheel to rotate and drive the
beam.
16. The drive assembly of claim 15 further comprising a cross
member that couples the stub shaft to a second drive assembly, the
cross member synchronizing the drive assembly and the second drive
assembly.
17. An expandable enclosure comprising: an enclosure; a slide out
extendable from the enclosure; and a drive assembly comprising: a
beam attachable to the slide out, the beam having a first row of
teeth and second row of teeth thereon, the first row of teeth and
the second row of teeth extending parallel to each other on
opposite sides of the beam, a beam guide attached to the beam, an
arcuate support rail enclosing at least a portion of the beam
guide, a drive gear having a first gear wheel engageable with the
first row of teeth and a second gear wheel engageable with the
second row of teeth, and an actuator coupled to the beam to
selectively extend and retract the beam, the angular orientation of
the slide out changes according to an angle of the beam in relation
to the arcuate support rail based on the position of the beam
guide.
18. The expandable enclosure of claim 17, wherein the enclosure is
a self-powered or towable vehicle.
19. The expandable enclosure of claim 17, wherein the teeth in the
first row of teeth are offset relative to the teeth in the second
row of teeth.
20. The expandable enclosure of claim 19, wherein the first gear
wheel is rotationally offset relative to the second gear wheel.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/199,753, filed Jul. 31, 2015.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to an enclosure having one
or more slide outs used to reconfigure the enclosure. More
particularly, the invention relates to an enclosure having at least
one slide out that may be extended to alter the configuration of
the enclosure and/or provide more room within the enclosure. Most
particularly, the invention relates to a drive assembly having a
rack and pinion drive used to extend or retract the slide out.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Expandable enclosures are often used in connection with
recreational vehicles or trailers that have portions that extend
and retract to allow the enclosure to be transported in a compact
configuration and extended to a more spacious configuration when
stationary. To that end, these recreational vehicles and trailers
are provided with slide outs including slideable rooms and other
structures that increase or reconfigure the usable space. Existing
slideable rooms and other slide outs may be time consuming to
install and their operating mechanisms may include components that
add a great deal of weight and complexity to the enclosure. Since
most enclosures having slide outs are used in applications where
they need to be transported, it is desirable to reduce the weight
of the enclosure as practically as possible. Likewise, reducing the
complexity of the slide out drive assembly is desirable in terms of
the labor needed to install the drive assembly and operation of the
drive assembly by the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one embodiment, a drive assembly for a slide out in an
expandable enclosure includes a beam attachable to the slide out,
the beam having a first row of teeth and a second row of teeth
thereon, the first row of teeth and the second row of teeth
extending parallel to each other on opposite sides of the beam;
wherein the teeth in the first row of teeth are offset relative to
the teeth in the second row of teeth. The assembly further includes
a beam guide attached to the beam and an arcuate support rail
enclosing at least a portion of the beam guide. Also included is a
drive gear having a first gear wheel engageable with the first row
of teeth and a second gear wheel engageable with the second row of
teeth and an actuator coupled to the beam to selectively extend and
retract the beam. The angular orientation of the slide out changes
according to an angle of the beam in relation to the arcuate
support rail based on the position of the beam guide.
[0005] In another embodiment, an expandable enclosure includes an
enclosure, a slide out extendable from the enclosure, and a drive
assembly. The drive assembly includes a beam attachable to the
slide out, the beam having a first row of teeth and a second row of
teeth thereon, the first row of teeth and the second row of teeth
extending parallel to each other on opposite sides of the beam,
wherein the teeth in the first row of teeth are offset relative to
the teeth in the second row of teeth, a beam guide attached to the
beam, an arcuate support rail enclosing at least a portion of the
beam guide, a drive gear having a first gear wheel engageable with
the first row of teeth and a second gear wheel engageable with the
second row of teeth, and an actuator coupled to the beam to
selectively extend and retract the beam. The angular orientation of
the slide out changes according to an angle of the beam in relation
to the arcuate support rail based on the position of the beam
guide.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective exterior view of a portion of an
enclosure having a slide out according to the present invention,
showing the slide out in an extended position;
[0007] FIGS. 2A and 2B is a side elevational view of drive assembly
in a retracted and extended positions, respectively;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a drive assembly
according to the invention;
[0009] FIG. 4 is an enlarged bottom elevational view of a front
portion of a drive assembly according to the invention;
[0010] FIG. 5 is an enlarged bottom elevational view Showing a rear
portion of a drive assembly according to the invention;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a drive assembly
according to another embodiment of the invention having two drive
assemblies connected by a cross-member;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the drive assembly shown in
FIG. 6 with the drive assembly shown in an extended position in
dashed lines;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a partially sectioned from elevational view of the
drive assembly depicted in FIG. 4;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a beam and arcuate
support rail in accordance with aspects herein;
[0015] FIGS. 10A to 10C are side profile views depicting various
embodiments of the arcuate support rail; and
[0016] FIG. 11 is a side exterior view of a portion of an enclosure
having a slide out according to the present invention, showing the
slide out in a retracted position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] An "enclosure" as used herein may include any partially or
completely enclosed space. The enclosure may be stationary or
mobile. Mobile enclosures may be self-powered or towable, and
include but are not limited to mobile homes, recreational vehicles,
and trailers. The term "expandable enclosure" refers to an
enclosure that has the ability to alter its configuration and in
some cases create more interior space. For example, an expandable
enclosure may include one or more portions that extend and retract
to selectively reconfigure the space defined by the enclosure.
These portions are often referred to as "slide outs" or "slideable
rooms." A slide out may include a portion that is moved relative to
the enclosure to change the configuration of the enclosure
including but not limited to increasing the space available within
the enclosure. Slide outs may be of various size and shape as
required by a given enclosure. Also, slide outs may expand and
retract in any known manner including, but not limited to pivoting
and telescoping relative to the main portion of the enclosure. The
example shown in the accompanying drawings, therefore, should not
be considered limiting.
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a portion of an enclosure 10 with a slide out
20 in an extended position. During movement or transport of the
enclosure, the slide out 20 may be fully retracted to configure the
enclosure 10 in a compact configuration. The enclosure has a wall
13 defining an opening 12 that receives slide out 20. Positioned
about the edges of the opening 12 is a frame 14. Frame 14 may
include side jambs 15, a header 17, and a footer 19. In the example
shown, the jambs 15, header 17, and footer 19 are linear and joined
at right angles to define rectangular opening 12 but other
arrangements can be provided in alternative embodiments. The slide
out 20 may be extended or retracted within frame 14 to alter the
configuration of enclosure 10 as needed. Optionally, a seal, such
as a polymer strip may be provided about the frame 14 to provide a
weather tight seal between the frame 14 and the slide out 20. Slide
out 20 may be of any size or shape as required by a given
application and may form a compartment, dinette, wardrobe, library,
bedroom, closet, kitchen, etc.
[0019] Enclosure 10 may be a self powered vehicle, such as a
recreational vehicle, or may be towable, such as a trailer. The
enclosure 10 may be one that is designed for living or temporary
accommodation or maybe a work vehicle such as a mobile classroom,
library, or temporary office space. Alternatively, the enclosure 19
may be a stationary structure including but not limited to modular
housing.
[0020] As shown in at least FIGS. 2-7, a drive assembly, generally
indicated by the number 50 may be mounted adjacent to the frame 14.
In the example shown, drive assembly 50 is located on or below
floor 22 of enclosure 10. Drive assembly 50 may include a beam 52
that attaches to slide out 20 or may form part of the frame of the
slide out 20. In the example shown, an end bracket, generally
indicated by the number 30, attaches to a cross member 32, which is
attached to the floor 22 of slide out 20. Bracket 30 may have any
shape or cross member 32 may attach directly to beam 52. In the
example shown, bracket 30 includes a face plate 34 that attaches to
beam 52 and to cross member 32 or slide out 20 at its top section.
To provide further support for slide out 20 in the extended
position, bracket 30 may include a support 36 that extends downward
to contact a supporting surface. In the example shown, a telescopic
support extends downwardly from the end plate and has an end that
may be rotating to release and extend the support downwardly to
contact the supporting surface.
[0021] Beam 52 is moveable between a retracted position and an
extended position to selectively extend and retract slide out 20.
As best shown in FIG. 4, beam 52 includes a first row of teeth 54
and a second row of teeth 56 that are formed on opposite sides of
the beam 52. The first row of teeth 54 and second row of teeth 56
extend parallel to each other and, as shown, may be formed on
respective flanges on either side of the beam 52. Teeth 54, 56 may
be formed in any known manner. For example, the rows of teeth 54,
56 may be stamped into beam 52. The beam 52 may be a monolithic
member or be formed by multiple pieces.
[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, beam 52 is
formed by a pair of c-shaped members having a vertical center
section 66 and outwardly extending bottom and top flanges 62, 64.
These c-shaped members are joined at the center sections and form a
central channel or groove 68 where the sections are joined
together. In the example shown, the rows of teeth are stamped into
the bottom flange 62 of each c-shape member such that the rows of
teeth 54, 56 are located on either side of the groove 68.
[0023] While aspects herein, including beam 52, describe c-shaped
members, channels, or other aspects, variants including solid
structures can be utilized in alternative embodiments. For example,
beam 52 may instead formed by an I-shaped member or by a pair of
u-shaped members. Further, different tooth arrangements, including
a single row of teeth across one or more members, can be employed
without deviating from the scope or spirit of the innovation.
[0024] A drive gear assembly, generally indicated by the number 70,
is configured to engage the first and second rows of teeth 54, 56.
Drive gear assembly 70 may include a first gear wheel 71 and a
second gear wheel 72 that both engage respective rows of teeth. The
drive gear assembly 70 may further include a support wheel that
engages beam 52 between the first and second rows of gear teeth 54,
56 to allow free movement of beam 52 in the axial direction. A
support wheel, first gear wheel 71, and a second gear wheel 72 may
all be mounted on a common hub 74. Any support wheel may optionally
be mounted on suitable bearings such that it rotates independently
of hub 74. In one example, a support wheel is fixed to hub 74 and
rotates with first and second gear wheels 71, 72.
[0025] Alternative drives can also be utilized. In another
embodiment, a belt drive can be employed either to turn a drive
gear assembly or other components influencing the relative position
of beam 52 or other elements.
[0026] The first and second rows of teeth 54, 56 may be symmetrical
about the center line of beam 52. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 4,
the first row of gear teeth 54 and second row of gear teeth 56 may
be offset in the axial direction with respect to each other as
generally represented by numeral 78. The offset 78 between first
and second rows of teeth 54, 56 may be any amount. For example, the
offset 78 exemplified in the figures is one and a half teeth. This
offset 78 ensures that at least one tooth on each wheel is engaged
at all times thereby helping to spread the load of slide out 20.
Likewise, the first gear wheel and second gear wheel 71, 72 may be
mounted in corresponding rotationally offset positions to mate with
the offset first and second rows of gear teeth 54, 56. In this way,
greater stability is provided by maintaining contact with more than
one gear tooth on either side of the beam 52 at all times.
[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of
forming beam 52 includes stamping a first c-shaped member in a die,
the first c-shaped member having a first end and a second end; and
(ii) stamping a second c-shaped member in the same die, the second
c-shaped member having a first end and a second end. Each c-shaped
member has a bottom flange and a row of teeth formed thereon. The
teeth formed on the flange each correspond to a tooth on a gear
wheel as discussed above. The spacing of the cogs/teeth on gear
wheels 71, 72 and on rows 54, 56 may be set such that the cogs on
gear wheels 71, 72 contact the teeth in rows 54, 56 in alternating
fashion. An offset between rows 54, 56 may be provided to time
contact of the teeth in this alternating fashion.
[0028] The teeth in one row are offset with respect to the teeth in
the second row. For example, the teeth in one row begin before the
teeth in the opposite row and the teeth are spaced by an offset 78.
According to one aspect of the invention a method of forming the
offset teeth in a single die is provided. A single die is provided
to mold or stamp one half of beam 52. The mold creates a first beam
member 52 having a row of teeth 54 that start a first distance from
a first end of first beam member and terminate a second distance
from the second end of the first beam member. The first and second
distances are not equal and differ by the amount of the desired
offset 78 between the rows of teeth. That way, when a second beam
member is provided by the die, the second beam member may be
rotated and Joined to the first beam member to create the second
row of teeth 56 with the desired offset 78 between the first and
second rows of teeth 54, 56.
[0029] In the example shown, beam 52 can be constructed by a pair
of c-shaped beam members having rows of teeth 54, 56 formed as
described above. In particular, the first c-shaped member having a
first row of teeth 54 is provided, and then a second c-Shaped
member is placed adjacent such that its second end is adjacent to
the first end of the first c-shaped member. In other words, one of
the c-shaped members is flipped around and placed back to back with
the other c-shaped member. Once in this configuration, the c-shaped
members may be fastened or welded together to form beam 52. The
fact that the rows of teeth 54, 56 each have a tooth profile that
corresponds to every other tooth on a gear wheel, and the offset 78
between the rows of teeth causes alternating engagement of the
teeth 54, 56 by corresponding gear wheels 71, 72. In other words,
as the first gear wheel 71 moves toward disengagement of a tooth in
the first row of teeth 54, the second gear wheel 72 is beginning to
engage a tooth in the the second row of teeth 56. In alternative
embodiments, as discussed above, alternative structures distinct
from a c-shaped member can be employed.
[0030] In embodiments, stub Shaft 80 may extend axially outward
from huh 74 and is connected to hub 74 such that rotation of stub
shaft 80 causes the first and second gear wheels 71, 72 to rotate
and drive beam 52. The stub shaft 80 may be manually rotated with
an appropriate tool or driven by a motor. As shown in FIG. 7, a
motor may be coupled to stub shaft 80. A motor may be provided for
each drive assembly, When using more than one drive assembly or, as
shown, stub shaft 80 may also be used to link and synchronize
multiple drive assemblies 50. There, a tandem drive assembly is
shown having two drive assemblies 50 linked by a cross member 90
that couples stub shafts 80 extending from each hub 74. Cross
member 90 may be any suitable coupler including but not limited to
a telescoping square cross-sectioned tube as shown. In the example
shown, tube is extended to fit over a stub shaft 80 on each drive
assembly 50 and pinned in place. In this example a single motor can
drive both drive assemblies 50 via cross member 90.
[0031] By coupling drive assemblies 50, a pair of beams 52 may be
used to extend and retract slide out 20 through a common actuator
100. Actuator 100 may be a motor coupled to drive assembly 50 or an
electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic cylinder that is coupled to a
portion of drive assembly 50 to cause the beam 52 to extend and
retract. In the example shown, in FIGS. 3 and 6, an electric
cylinder 102 is used and has a telescoping rod 104 that attaches to
an actuator bracket 106 that is coupled to beam 52 through face
plate 34. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the actuator 100
drives a first beam 52, which in turn causes the gear wheels 71, 72
to rotate on teeth 54, 56. Rotation of gear wheels 71, 72 rotates
hub 74 and the stub shaft 80 attached thereto, which is coupled by
cross member 90 to the hub 74 and stub shaft 80 of the opposite
beam 52. Rotation of opposite hub 74, in turn, rotates gear wheels
71, 72 on that hub 74 to drive second beam 52 at the same time
first beam 52 is driven by actuator 100. FIG. 6 depicts extension
of the drive assemblies 50 to move the slide out to an extended
position as shown in FIG. 1. The extended position is Shown in
dashed lines in FIG. 7, with the reference numerals indicated with
a prime (') marking. In particular, as shown, in the extended
position, actuator 100 drives beams 52 outwardly along with the
cross member 32 that attaches to the slide out 20 to the extended
position 52', 32'.
[0032] The drive assembly may be mounted beneath the body of the
enclosure 10 or within the sub frame of the enclosure 10. Other
locations may be used depending on the orientation of the drive
assembly. In the example shown, a pair of substantially parallel
support rails 150 are provided to house and support beams 52.
[0033] Each support rail 150 has an arcuate shape. As best depicted
in FIGS. 2, 9 and 10, each support rail 150 has a vertex 252
between first support end 254 and second support end 256. As
depicted in the Figs., the arcuate shape of support rail 150 is
symmetrical. However, alternatives are contemplated herein, to
include configuring vertex 252 different distances from first
support end 254 and second support end 256.
[0034] In embodiments hereunder, each support rail 150 is level (to
include, but not necessarily limited to, mounting each at the same
height). The curvature of each support rail 150 angles beam 52
downward as it is driven through support rail 150.
[0035] Because each beam 52 may not share the curvature of support
rail 150, and for example may be straight, beam guide 258 can be
attached to beam 52 to retain coupling with support rail 150 where
the geometry of beam 52 does not accord with that of support rail
150. Beam guide 258 can be attached in a movable fashion to permit
relative movement between support rail 150 and beam 52 in two or
more dimensions. In the embodiment depicted in at least FIG. 2,
guide coupler 259 is arranged to rotate about beam guide 258 but is
fastened in a static manner to beam 52. Here, beam guide 258 is a
rolling element that matches the inner geometry of support rail
150; however, other embodiments of beam guide 258 are also embraced
hereunder, to include pieces which translate through arcuate
support rail(s) 150 without rotation (e.g., sliding).
[0036] In use, beam 52 is permitted to displace vertically with
respect to its respective support rail 150 without becoming
dislodged or stuck through interface with the inside geometry of
support rail 150 and the associated beam guide 258. In this manner,
as beam 52 extends, thereby deploying slide out 20, beam 52 and
slide out 20 can both displace or tip opposite the direction of
vertex 252 to permit leveling of slide out 20 with respect to
enclosure 10.
[0037] Earlier designs using a ram and support channel typically
required a reasonably loose tolerance between the ram and support
Channel, at times up to one eighth of one inch or more. This
tolerance can create noise, wear, or other problems, including
seizing between the ram and channel, and/or displacement of the ram
such that the teeth of the ram gears became disengaged or slipped
in relation to the teeth of the drive wheel. The disclosed
arrangement using beam guide 258 permits reduction of these
tolerances to eliminate the drawbacks of earlier drive
solutions.
[0038] Each support rail 150 can define a channel that receives
beam 52 and supports beam 52 as it extends and retracts. A stop 192
may be provided at a rear portion of a channel to adjust the length
of the channel when using beams 52 of different lengths depending
on the amount of extension required for a given slide out 20. The
stop 192 may also be used to align beam 52 within the channel. In
the example shown, stop 192 includes a yoke 194 having a pair of
forwardly extending arms 196 defining a gap 198 there between in
which the center portion 66 of beam 52 is received. Stop 192 may
include one or more cross bars 200 that support arms 196 and extend
across a channel. As shown, cross bars 200 may be supported on
rollers 204 received within each sidewall 154 of the support
rail.
[0039] As discussed previously, drive assembly 50 may include an
electric cylinder used to extend and retract beam 52 from support
rail 150. Cylinder 102 extends parallel to beam 52 and may be
supported on support rail 150, as shown. It will be appreciated
that cylinder 102 may be supported on the frame of enclosure 10 or
another structure as well. In the depicted example, a mounting
plate 210 is attached to the support rail, as by welds. The
mounting plate 210 is provided with a number of mounting holes 212
on either side to allow attachment of a cylinder bracket 214. As
shown, holes 212 may be provided on both sides of mounting plate
210 to allow attachment of cylinder 102 on either side of support
rail 150 depending on the location of the slide out 20. The
provision of multiple mounting holes also provides flexibility for
positioning the cylinder 102.
[0040] Cylinder bracket 214 may have any configuration suited for a
given cylinder 102. In the example shown, cylinder bracket 214 is
generally an L-shaped member with a lower leg 216 attaching to the
mounting plate 210 and a pair of upstanding legs 218 that extend
upward adjacent to support rail 150. In the example shown, cylinder
102 is supported between the upstanding legs 218 and secured by a
suitable fastener 220. A motor 222 is coupled to electronic
cylinder 102 and may be supported on an end plate 224 extending
from one end of cylinder 102. Motor 222 may include an internal
controller 225 that controls operation of motor 222. In addition,
for remote operation, motor 222 may include an antenna 226. The
user may operate motor 222, through a switch located within
enclosure 10, or elsewhere, to selectively extend and retract slide
out 20. For example, motor 222 is operated in one rotational
direction to extend telescoping rod 104 at one end of cylinder 102
to extend slide out 20, and rotated in the opposite direction to
retract telescoping rod 104 and, thereby, slide out 20.
[0041] FIG. 9 illustrates another view of beam 52 and support rail
150 and provides additional detail with respect to the above-noted
aspects. FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C illustrate alternative embodiments
of an arcuate support rail 150. In FIG. 10A, support rail 150 is
shown in a symmetrical curve, with the inner edge of each end
254/256 a horizontal distance of Q/2 from vertex 252 (the
lengthwise/horizontal center of support rail 150). FIG. 10B shows
an alternative arrangement Where support beam 150 curves more
sharply at end 254, thereby positioning vertex 252 closer to the
same, and curves more gently toward end 256. FIG. 10C illustrates
yet another alternative embodiment where support beam 150 curves
more sharply at end 256, thereby positioning vertex 252 closer to
the same, and curves more gently toward end 254. It will be
appreciated that the curvature need not be constant at any given
point on support rail 150, and may be larger or smaller in
magnitude than those depicted.
[0042] As is visible in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and other drawings
herein, first and second ends 254 and 256 are level with each
other, or otherwise arranged at the same relative position with
respect to the height and length of enclosure 10. Therefore,
regardless of the curvature of arcuate support rail 150, the
magnitude of incline leading to vertex 252 from the mounting point
within or on enclosure 10 at which end 256 attaches is equal to
magnitude of decline from vertex 252 to end 254.
[0043] While the curvature in FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C may be
exaggerated, all curvatures and lengths are embraced according to
the disclosures herein. The terminal ends and/or coupling
components of support rail(s) 150 illustrated in FIGS. 10A, 10B,
and 10C may be excluded for purposes of this illustration.
[0044] While support rail 150, beam 52, and other elements may be
described, as channels or according to specific geometries, it is
understood alternatives not expressly illustrated are embraced
herein. For example, support rail 150 can be any structure capable
of constraining or guiding beam guide 258 in one or more dimensions
as it displaces while connected to beam 52.
[0045] FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative partial view of enclosure
particularly showing the mounting or anchor points for each support
beam 150. FIG. 11 shows that each support beam 150 is mounted
within enclosure 10 at the same relative height H from level ground
or any other reference (e.g., the plane represented by the dashed
line 282). In this way, each support beam 150 is "level" with the
others, not necessarily at all times with respect to, e.g.,
gravity, but at all times aligned with others with respect to the
geometry of enclosure 10.
[0046] While the claimed subject matter of the present application
has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may
be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from
the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. In addition,
many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or
material to the teachings of the claimed subject matter without
departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the
claimed subject matter not be limited to the particular embodiments
disclosed, but that the claimed subject matter will include all
embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *