Patent ID: 6619714
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: B60P

Abstract:
In a support system for expanding and retracting a slide-out room of a recreational vehicle, said room having a floor which in an expanded position of the room is at substantially the same level as a stationary floor of the vehicle and in a retracted position of the room is above the stationary floor of the vehicle, said support system including at least one extendable and retractable rail fixed to the room for expanding and retracting the room, rollers for supporting the at least one rail relative to a fixed support and a drive system for moving the at least one rail in and out, the improvement wherein, with said room in said extended position, said system has at least one downwardly facing ramped surface adjacent an inner end of said at least one rail and another downwardly facing ramped surface spaced toward the outer end of said at least one rail from said one ramped surface, wherein said drive system is connected to each said at least one rail to extend and retract said at least one rail and wherein said rollers roll on said ramped surfaces to support each said at least one rail, wherein both of said ramped surfaces are ramped in a direction and positioned so as to lower each said at least one rail as said rollers roll on said ramped surfaces while maintaining a generally horizontal orientation of each said at least one rail as said at least one rail is extended and to raise each said at least one rail while maintaining a generally horizontal orientation of said at least one rail as said at least one rail is retracted, wherein said ramped surfaces are adjacent to sides of said at least one rail.