Abstract:
An extendable and retractable enclosure provides an additional storage or work area in a structure which has a limited amount of available space, such as a motor home or trailer. The enclosure is installed in an opening, such as for a window, and can be selectively moved to an extended position where the enclosure extends outside the structure, or to a retracted position where the enclosure is positioned inside the structure. Two spaced apart swing arms pivotally mount the enclosure to the structure, and allow the enclosure to be selectively moved to the extended or retracted positions.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims the filing benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/565,990, filed Apr. 27, 2004, which is included herein by reference. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention pertains generally to structures such as trailers and motor homes, and more particularly to an extendable and retractable enclosure which may be used to increase the volume of the structure. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Structures such as trailers, 5 th  wheel trailers, motor homes, and the like contain a limited amount of space. As such, the storage of articles and the availability of workspace can be troublesome. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to an extendable and retractable enclosure which is mounted in an aperture in the wall of the structure such as a motor home or trailer, and can be moved from an extended in-use position wherein the enclosure protrudes outwardly from the wall (outside the structure), to a retracted (stowed) position wherein the enclosure protrudes inwardly from the wall (inside the structure). In the extended position, the enclosure provides additional living or storage space. The retracted position would typically be utilized when the structure is being moved. Because of the design of the present invention, the enclosure remains reasonably level during the transition from the extended to retracted positions. As such, any contents of the enclosure will not be unduly tilted. 
   The enclosure can be retrofitted into an existing aperture, such as for a window, or alternatively could be included as original equipment with the structure. Locking devices of various trade designs may be used to secure the enclosure in the extended and retracted positions. Additionally, the top, bottom, rear, or sides of the enclosure may include ventilation and/or light transmitting devices. 
   Uses of the enclosure of the present invention can include, a computer workspace, a general utility work space (crafts and other hobby space), a pantry, a media cabinet, an atrium or greenhouse, a solar room heater, a solar clothes dryer, a bird or other pet area, a linen cabinet, a bookcase, a medical cabinet, and storage for miscellaneous items. 
   In accordance with preferred embodiment of the invention, an extendable and retractable enclosure for a structure having a wall having an aperture having a perimeter, a frame disposed around the perimeter of the aperture, the frame having a bottom portion, an inside top portion, an outside top portion, and a downwardly projecting lip horizontally disposed along the outside top portion, the enclosure including: 
   a top, a bottom, a front having a bottom portion, a rear, a first side and an opposite second side; 
   a first swing arm having a top end and an opposite bottom end; 
   a second swing arm having a top end and an opposite bottom end, the second swing arm spaced apart from the first swing arm; 
   the top ends of the first and second swing arms pivotally connectable to the inside top portion of the frame; 
   the bottom ends of the first and second swing arms pivotally connectable to the bottom portion of the front; and, 
   wherein the swing arms movably support the enclosure, and allow the enclosure to be selectively moved to one of (1) an extended position wherein the enclosure protrudes outwardly from the wall, and (2) a retracted position wherein the enclosure protrudes inwardly from the wall. 
   In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a top member connects the top end of the first swing arm to the top end of the second swing arm. A bottom member connects the bottom end of the first swing arm to the bottom end of the second swing arm. A first elongated hinge is connectable between the inside top portion of the frame and the top member. And, a second elongated hinge is connectable between the bottom member and the bottom portion of the front. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the bottom of the enclosure includes a first curved portion spaced apart from a second curved portion. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, first and second spaced apart rollers are connectable to the bottom portion of the frame, wherein the first and second rollers upwardly project from the bottom portion of the frame. The first roller engaging the first curved portion, and the second roller engaging the second curved portion. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the first and second rollers each include a biasing mechanism which urges the rollers in an upward direction. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the first curved portion includes first and second notches for receiving the first roller, and the second curved portion includes first and second notches for receiving the second roller. The first notches being for receiving the rollers when the enclosure is in the extended position, and the second notches being for receiving the rollers when the enclosure is in the retracted position. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the rear of the enclosure having a top horizontal lip. The first and second spaced apart curved portions shaped and dimensioned so that when the enclosure is moved to the retracted position, the top horizontal lip of the rear becomes seated under the downwardly projecting lip of the outside top portion of the frame. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the top of the enclosure forming an acute angle with the front of the enclosure. 
   In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, an extendable and retractable enclosure for a structure having a wall having an aperture, the aperture having a bottom edge, an inside top portion, and an outside top portion, the enclosure including: 
   a top, a bottom, a front having a bottom portion, a rear, a first side and an opposite second side; 
   a first swing arm having a top end and an opposite bottom end; 
   a second swing arm having a top end and an opposite bottom end, the second swing arm spaced apart from the first swing arm; 
   the top ends of the first and second swing arms pivotally connectable to the inside top portion of the aperture; 
   the bottom ends of the first and second swing arms pivotally connectable to the bottom portion of the front; and, 
   wherein the swing arms movably support the enclosure, and allow the enclosure to be selectively moved to one of (1) an extended position wherein the enclosure protrudes outwardly from the wall, and (2) a retracted position wherein the enclosure protrudes inwardly from the wall. 
   Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of an extendable and retractable enclosure for a structure in accordance with the present invention, the extendable and retractable enclosure shown in an extended position; 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the extendable and retractable enclosure shown in a retracted position; 
       FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of the extendable and retractable enclosure in the extended position; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the extendable and retractable enclosure in the retracted position; 
       FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the extendable and retractable enclosure moving from the extended position to the retracted position; 
       FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of the extendable and retractable enclosure in the extended position; and, 
       FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of the second embodiment of the extendable and retractable enclosure in the retracted position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring initially to  FIGS. 1-4 , there are illustrated side elevation extended, side elevation retracted, front elevation extended, and perspective retracted views respectively of an extendable and retractable enclosure for a structure in accordance with the present invention, generally designated as  20 . Extendable and retractable enclosure  20  is mounted on a structure having a wall  500  having an aperture  502  having a perimeter. A frame  504  is disposed around the perimeter of aperture  502 . Frame  504  has a bottom portion  506 , an inside top portion  508 , an outside top portion  510 , and a downwardly projecting lip  512  horizontally disposed along outside top portion  510 . In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , wall  500  and frame  504  are shown in cross section for clarity. 
   Enclosure  20  has a top  22 , a bottom  24 , a front  26  having a bottom portion  28 , a rear  29 , a first side  30  and an opposite second side  32 . A first swing arm  34  has a top end  36  and an opposite bottom end  38 . A second swing arm  40  has a top end  42  and an opposite bottom end  44 , second swing arm  40  spaced apart from first swing arm  34  wherein first swing arm  34  is outside first side  30  and second swing arm  40  is outside second side  32 . Top ends  36  and  42  of first  34  and second  40  swing arms respectively are pivotally connectable to inside top portion  508  of frame  504 . Bottoms ends  38  and  44  of first  34  and second  40  swing arms respectively are pivotally connectable to bottom portion  28  of front  26 . 
   In an embodiment of the invention, a top member  46  connects top end  36  of first swing arm  34  to top end  42  of second swing arm  40 , and a bottom member  48  connects bottom end  38  of first swing arm  34  to bottom end  44  of second swing arm  40 . In other words, first swing arm  34 , second swing arm  40 , top member  46 , and bottom member  48  form a frame-like structure which supports enclosure  20 . A first elongated hinge  50  is connectable between inside top portion  508  of frame  504  and top member  46 . A second elongated hinge  52  is connectable between bottom member  48  and bottom portion  28  of front  26 . Swing arms  34  and  40  movably support enclosure  20 , and allow enclosure  20  to be selectively moved to one of (1) an extended position wherein enclosure  20  protrudes outwardly from wall  500  ( FIG. 1 ), and (2) a retracted position wherein enclosure  20  protrudes inwardly from wall  500  ( FIG. 2 ). It is important that swing arms  34  and  40  be sufficiently rigid to ensure the enclosure  20  movement is perpendicular to aperture  502 . Otherwise, enclosure  20  will bind if side to side “cocking” occurs during extension and retraction. Top member  46  and bottom member  48  in conjunction with swing arms  34  and  40  provide ridged support for enclosure  20 . It is further important for hinges  50  and  52  to be mounted parallel to the wall  500  and parallel to each other. Other hinging arrangements are also possible so long as cocking will not occur. 
   It is noted that top  22  of enclosure  20  forms an acute angle A with front  26 . In other words, top  22  angles down slightly. This angle is necessary in order for top  22  to clear frame  504  of aperture  502  as enclosure  20  is moved from the retracted position of  FIG. 2  to the extended position of  FIG. 1 . 
   Bottom  24  of enclosure  20  includes a contoured first curved portion  54  spaced apart from a second curved portion  56 . Curved portions  54  and  56  cooperate with first  58  and second  60  spaced apart rollers respectively which are connectable to the bottom portion  506  of frame  504 , wherein the first  58  and second  60  rollers upwardly project from bottom portion  506  of frame  504 . First roller  58  engages first curved portion  54 , and second roller  60  engages second curved portion  56  of bottom  24  as enclosure  20  is moved between the extended and retracted positions. In the shown embodiment rollers  58  and  60  ride in cutout portions along the bottom  24  and sides  30  and  32  of enclosure  20 . The purpose of the shaped bottom is to cause enclosure  20  to remain effectively upright (not tilting) as it is retracted and extended. First  58  and second  60  rollers each include a biasing mechanism which urges rollers  58  and  60  in an upward direction thereby pushing enclosure  20  slightly upward. This ensures that enclosure  20  is vertically positioned properly. First curved portion  54  includes first  62  and second  64  notches for receiving first roller  58 . Similarly, opposite second curved portion  56  includes first and second notches (not shown) for receiving second roller  60 . Wherein the first notches are for receiving rollers  58  and  60  respectively when enclosure  20  is in the extended position of  FIG. 1 , and the second notches are for receiving rollers  58  and  60  when enclosure  20  is in the retracted position of  FIG. 2 . It may be appreciated that while the first and second notches of second curved portion  56  are not specifically shown in the drawings, these elements are contained on second side  32 , and are in the same physical relationship as first  62  and second  64  notches shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The notches serve to mechanically retain enclosure  20  in either the extended or retracted position. 
   Weather seals  90  are provided on all mating surfaces to prevent external weather conditions from penetrating the inside of the structure when enclosure  20  is in both the extended and retracted positions. 
   Doors are provided in the front  26  of enclosure  20  for securing the contents of enclosure  20 . The doors are particularly useful when the present invention is installed in a motor vehicle or trailer. The doors are removable when not needed. 
   Enclosure  20  includes an inside bottom  88 . This element covers the shaped bottom  24  to provide a flat working or storage surface. 
   Now referring to  FIG. 5 , there is illustrated a side elevation view of extendable and retractable enclosure  20  moving from the extended position to the retracted position. Back  29  of enclosure  20  includes a top horizontal lip  70 . First  54  and second  56  spaced apart curved portions are shaped and dimensioned so that when enclosure  20  is moved to the retracted position, top horizontal lip  70  of back  29  becomes seated under downwardly projecting lip  512  of the outside top portion  510  of frame  504 . In an embodiment of the invention, the contour of first  54  and second  56  curved portions causes enclosure  20  to tilt slightly as top lip  70  approaches downwardly projecting lip  512 . This allows top lip  70  to seat underneath downwardly projecting lip  512 . Downwardly projecting lip  512  serves to prevent water from entering the enclosure  20 . 
   In terms of use, a method for selectively increasing and decreasing the volume of a structure includes: 
   (a) providing a structure having a wall  500  having an aperture  502  having a perimeter, a frame  504  disposed around the perimeter of the aperture  502 , the frame  504  having a bottom portion  506 , an inside top portion  508 , an outside top portion  510 , and a downwardly projecting lip  512  horizontally disposed along outside top portion  510 ; 
   (b) providing an enclosure  20  having a top  22 , a bottom  24 , a front  26  having a bottom portion  28 , a  29 , a first side  30  and an opposite second side  32 , a first swing arm  34  having a top end  36  and an opposite bottom end  38 , and a second swing arm  40  having a top end  42  and an opposite bottom end  44 , second swing arm  40  spaced apart from first swing arm  34 ; 
   (c) pivotally connecting top ends  36  and  42  of first  34  and second  40  swing arms to inside top portion  508  of frame  504 , and pivotally connecting bottom ends  38  and  44  of first  34  and second  40  swing arms to bottom portion  28  of front  26 , wherein first  34  and second  40  swing arms movably support enclosure  20 ; 
   (d) selectively moving enclosure  20  to an extended position wherein enclosure  20  protrudes outwardly from wall  500 ; and, 
   (e) selectively moving enclosure  20  to a retracted position wherein enclosure  20  protrudes inwardly from wall  500 . 
   Now referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , there are illustrated side elevation views of a second embodiment of the extendable and retractable enclosure in the extended and retracted positions respectively, the second embodiment generally being designated  120 . Second embodiment  120  is identical to first embodiment  20  except as follows, (1) the perimeter of aperture  502  in wall  500  is not surrounded by a frame, (2) the rollers are replaced with a friction reducing material  122  so that enclosure  120  will simply slide across friction reducing material  122 . The bottom of enclosure  120  can also include a friction reducing material. 
   Extendable and retractable enclosure  120  is mounted on a structure having a wall  500  having an aperture  502 , aperture  502  having a bottom edge  503 , an inside top portion  508 , and an outside top portion  510 . Enclosure  120  includes a top  22 , a bottom  24  a front  26  having a bottom portion  28 , a rear  29 , a first side  30  and an opposite second side  32 . A first swing arm  34  has a top end  36  and an opposite bottom end  38 . A second swing arm  40  (refer to  FIG. 3 ) has a top end  42  and an opposite bottom end  44 , second swing arm  40  is spaced apart from first swing arm  34 . Top ends  36  and  42  of first  34  and second  40  swing arms respectively are pivotally connectable to inside top portion  508  of aperture  502 . Bottom ends  38  and  44  of first  34  and second  40  swing arms respectively are pivotally connectable to bottom portion  28  of front  26 . Wherein swing arms  34  and  40  movably support enclosure  120 , and allow enclosure  20  to be selectively moved to one of (1) an extended position wherein enclosure  120  protrudes outwardly from wall  500 , and (2) a retracted position wherein enclosure  120  protrudes inwardly from wall  500 . 
   Referring also to  FIGS. 1-4  and the discussion pertaining thereto, in an embodiment of the invention, a top member  46  connects top end  36  of first swing arm  34  to top end  42  of second swing arm  40 , and a bottom member  48  connects bottom end  38  of first swing arm  34  to bottom end  44  of second swing arm  40 . A first elongated hinge  50  is connectable between inside top portion  508  of aperture  502  and top member  46 . A second elongated hinge is connectable between bottom member  48  and bottom portion  28  of front  26 . 
   As with enclosure  20 , top  22  forms and acute angle with front  26  of enclosure  120 . 
   Just as with enclosure  20 , bottom of enclosure  120  includes a curved portion  54 , so that as enclosure  120  is moved curved portion  54  slides over bottom edge  503  of aperture  502 . In an embodiment of the invention, bottom edge  503  includes a friction reducing material  122  so that enclosure  120  will readily slide. Bottom  24  can also include a friction reducing material to enhance the sliding action. 
   As with enclosure  20 , curved portion  54  includes first  62  and second  64  notches for receiving bottom edge  503  of aperture  502 . First notch  62  is for receiving bottom edge  503  of aperture  502  when enclosure  120  is in the extended position, and second notch  64  is for receiving bottom edge  503  of aperture  502  when enclosure  120  is in the retracted position. 
   Additional Description: 
   1. Wall  500  and window openings—Such openings (apertures) are typically provided in mobile living quarter vehicles such as recreational vehicles. An adapter plate opening can also be fitted onto or into an existing window opening. An adapter plate also allows standard sizes of the present invention to fit various window opening sizes. Enclosure  20  is extended for use while the vehicle is stationary and not under space limiting restrictions. Enclosure  20  is usually retracted for travel when limitations are applied that prohibit it from being extended. A unique feature of enclosure  20  is that it is accessible in both the extended and retracted positions.
 
2. Frame—Frame  504  provides the overall structural support for enclosure  20 . It permits enclosure  20  to be secured to the window frame  504  or the window opening. The frame  504  can also be an integral part of the window structure. The frame  504  is not a part of the present invention, however for convenience could be packaged and sold along with enclosure  20 .
 
3. Hinges—The upper hinge  50  mounts on the frame  504  structure and joins to swing arms  58  and  60 . The front  26  of enclosure  20  is connected to the lower hinge  52 . These hinges in combination with the swing arms permit enclosure  20  to be extended and retracted while remaining in an acceptable upright position. The upper hinge  50  as well as the lower hinge  52  are mounted parallel to the structure wall  500 . The combining action of the two hinges with the swing arms keep enclosure  20  properly aligned during extension and retraction.
 
4. Swing arms—Swing arms  34  and  40  combined with the upper  50  and lower hinges  52  permit enclosure  20  to move so that it remains essentially upright relative to the structure floor and squared with the window (aperture) opening. Remaining square during extension and retraction is essential to prevent binding.
 
5. Top of the enclosure—The top  22  of the enclosure is uniquely shaped with a taper to give needed clearance during the swinging motion of retraction and extension. The tapered top also provides for water run off when the enclosure is in the extended position.
 
6. Bottom of the enclosure—The bottom  24  is uniquely fashioned to allow needed clearance during extension and retraction. It also combines with the sides to provide needed tracking of enclosure  20  as it is supported by the rollers. The bottom  24  and the bottom edge of the sides are shaped to permit cam like action on enclosure  20  during the motions of retraction and extension. This is necessary to provide the unique locking or nesting position of the rear panel as the limits of retraction and extension are approached. The motion must also allow for slight forward tilting to secure the top lip of the rear of the enclosure in the downward lip, and then permit return to an upright position.
 
7. Shaped groove on sides and bottom—This shaped groove or track is an integral part of the sides and the bottom. It can be made into the side and bottom or shaped with a metal channel material in a fashion to track on the roller for the desired motions of the enclosure. The taper at the end of each end of the groove permits the roller to apply needed pressure in the proper direction to hold the enclosure stable at each end of travel for retraction and extension.
 
8. Rollers—Rollers  58  and  60  are mounted on frame  504  to permit smooth, easy movement during extension and retraction. Rollers  58  and  60  are made of durable metal or plastic to provide low friction for the needed unique movement of enclosure  20 . The roller applies pressure in the recessed areas or detented areas to hold the enclosure in position at rest. Gravity keeps pressure on the top inside seal during extension while the roller secures the bottom edge. These forces adequately compress the seals to adequately keep undesirable weather element out of the vehicle.
 
9. Sides of the enclosure—The sides  30  and  32  along the top, bottom, front and back shape enclosure  20  and maximize the interior space. The sides are matched with the opening frame sides to permit unbinding motion as enclosure  20  moves between the extended and retracted positions. The shape of the sides combine with the top and bottom to permit enclosure  20  to track in and out as needed throughout it&#39;s range of motion in an substantially upright position.
 
10. Rear of the enclosure—The rear  29  of enclosure  20  is flat and seals the opening when enclosure  20  is in the retracted position. It is shaped to the opening and it&#39;s top edge mates with the downwardly opening lip of frame  504  to secure the unit in the retracted position. A weather seal is around it&#39;s perimeter, that seals against the opening&#39;s mating surfaces. As the tracking motion tilts enclosure  20  slightly as it approaches the limits of retraction motion, the top lip of the rear of enclosure  20  slides under the downwardly opening lip to secure the rear of the enclosure in position.
 
11. Movement of the enclosure—Enclosure  20  may be moved between the extended and retracted positions using mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic movement means which are well known in the art.
 
   The preferred embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations, and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve an equivalent result, all of which are intended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims.