Patent ID: 6052952
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: B60P,E04B

Abstract:
A system for use with an enclosed space comprising, in combination a frame structure supporting outer walls and a stationary floor so as to expand the useable space by moving an expandable room outwardly, a first support beam affixed to the frame structure to support the expandable room, the first support beam being positioned beneath the stationary floor, a second support beam affixed to the frame structure to support the expandable room, the second support beam being spaced apart from the first support beam and extending parallel to the first support beam, the first and second support beams being spaced apart a distance less than the width of the expandable room, an outer tube supported by each of the support beams and movable relative to the support beam, an inner tube supported inside of the outer tube and movable relative to the outer tube, a hydraulic cylinder operatively connected to the inner tube to extend and retract the inner tube, a movable floor that forms a part of the expandable room affixed to the inner tubes for movement from a retracted position to an extended position, the movable floor being supported on the stationary floor when in the retracted position, a secondary floor support fixed to the outer tube and positioned to engage and support the movable floor as it moves from the retracted position to the extended position, a rail assembly supported by the frame structure supporting the outer tubes as they move from the retracted position to the extended position, the rail assembly including a ramp to provide for lowering of the outer tubes and inner tubes when the movable floor becomes disengaged from the stationary floor, and moveable locking catches selectively locking the outer tube to the rail assembly when the inner tube is retracted and locking the inner tubes and outer tubes when the inner tube is fully extended.