Patent ID: 12240370

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

FIGS.1-8show a first embodiment of a corner cup100in accordance with the present disclosure. The corner cup improves upon the functionality of a standard corner cup design. The corner cup100comprises a base102, first and second trough104,106, angled lip108, side wall110, rear wall112, wedge116, and rib system118.

In an embodiment, the corner cup100may further comprise a hole120,120afor a fastener122,122a.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS.1-8, the corner cup100is installed as part of a RV slide out room system. The corner cup100itself provides a portion of the RV sealing system for the slide out room and facilitates movement of water away from the RV to prevent leaks. The corner cup is sized to be used in conjunction with multiple RV wall sizes.

The corner cup100comprises a smooth, sloped base102. The base102is comprised of a length, width, and thickness of material and is shaped to provide a seat for the slide out room. The base102is a polygon having a top and bottom, as well as front, rear, left and right sides. The opposing left and right sides connect to a first and second trough104,106respectively. The opposing rear and front sides connect to a rear wall112and wedge116respectively. In an embodiment, and as shown inFIG.1, the rear side of the base102comprises a double L shape. The double L shape is formed by two separate rear wall sections112,108located at different distances from the front side of the base102which are connected by a third wall portion124. The rear wall112and third wall124form a first L shape. The angled lip108and third wall124form the second L shape. The base102is sloped to facilitate the movement of water away from the RV to prevent leaks. In alternative embodiments, the base102is square or rectangular in shape. In alternative embodiments, the base102lies flat along a horizontal axis without a slope.

The base102ofFIGS.1-8is comprised of a plastic, plastic resin, metal, metal alloy, composite, or combination thereof or other similarly situated materials. In an embodiment, the base102is comprised of high-modulus plastic resin.

In an embodiment, the base102is shaped to accommodate any RV Sealing Systems. In an embodiment the base102comprises 3.1 in. in length from the front to rear side of the base. In this embodiment, the base102comprises 2.6 in. in width along the rear wall112section.

Historically, the RV cups in the market included a flat horizontal base surface which does not create a “waterless” cup design. As a result, water is not properly channeled out of the RV. In addition, due to the lack of rigidity of the materials and inadequate slope on the bottom surface of the base, the water flows backwards and directly into the RV, contrary to the cup's purpose. The present disclosure includes several additional features which provide advantages over the prior art.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.1-8, the first and second troughs104,106ensure that any residual water will be captured and run out of the cup. The troughs104,106are recessed by slopes into opposing right and left sides of the horizontal base102and create a channel for residual water to flow freely out of the RV sealing system. In an embodiment, the troughs104,106are comprised of the same material as the base102.

The troughs104,106extend from the front of the base to toward the rear wall112. In an embodiment, the troughs104,106are 2.0 in. in length from the front of the base102to the back. In an alternative embodiment, the troughs104,106are 3.0 in. in length from the front of the base102to the back.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.1-8, the rear side of the base102connects to a rear wall112. The rear wall112extends generally vertically from the horizontal plane of the base102. The distance between the front of the base102and rear wall112is sized to capture and drain runoff water for an RV slide out room system of all sizes. Generally, the base102of the corner cup100is long enough in length to extend from the exterior wall of the RV to the interior of the RV. In an embodiment, the rear wall112is comprised of a single, straight-edged wall unit. In an embodiment, the rear wall112comprises a double L shape having multiple wall sections as shown inFIG.1. The double L shape is formed by two separate rear wall sections112,108located at different distances from the front side of the base102which are connected by a third wall portion. In an embodiment, a portion of the rear wall112comprises an angled lip108which extends at least along a portion of the rear wall. The angled lip108forms an angle such that the top portion of the angled lip108is further from the front side of the base102than the bottom portion of the angled lip108is from the front side of the base102. As shown inFIG.9, the angled lip108allows for the Flip 'N Seal™ RV Sealing Bottom Pan to mate with the cup.

The rear wall112extends along the entire width of the base102. In an embodiment, the rear wall112runs a length of 2.6 in. along the back width of the base102. In an alternative embodiment, the rear wall112runs a length of 2.75 in. along the back width of the base102.

The rear wall112ofFIGS.1-8is comprised of a plastic, plastic resin, metal, metal alloy, composite, or combination thereof or other similarly situated materials. In an embodiment, the rear wall112is comprised of high-modulus plastic resin.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.1-8, the base102connects to a side wall110, which extends horizontally along the edge of the base102and vertically in an upward direction before connecting to the rear wall112. In an embodiment, the side wall110is larger in height than the rear wall112. As shown in the embodiment ofFIG.1, the side wall110comprises a sloped portion near the rear side of the base102wherein the side wall110slopes in a partially downward direction toward the rear wall112. In an alternative embodiment, the side wall110comprises a consistent length, width, and thickness.

The side wall110extends along the entire length of the base102. In an embodiment, the side wall110runs a length of 3.0 in. along the length of the base102. In an alternative embodiment, the side wall110runs a length of 2.0 in. along the length of the base102.

The side wall110ofFIGS.1-8is comprised of a plastic, plastic resin, metal, metal alloy, composite, or combination thereof or other similarly situated materials. In an embodiment, the side wall is comprised of high-modulus plastic resin.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.1-8, the base102connects to a wedge116which comprises an L shape with one portion of the L connecting to the side wall112near the front side of the base102and one portion of the L connecting to the front side of the base102. The wedge116includes a portion extending downward from the base102and a portion extending horizontally away from the side wall110. The wedge116is shaped to provide an end to the corner cup100which allows the base102to rest horizontally along the floor of the slide out column while the interior of the wedge116is flush along the exterior walls of the RV.

The wedge116extends along the front side width of the base102. In an embodiment, the wedge116runs a length of 4.5 in. along the front side of the base102. In an alternative embodiment, the wedge116runs a length of 4.0 in. long the front side of the base.

The wedge116ofFIGS.1-8is comprised of a plastic, plastic resin, metal, metal alloy, composite, or combination thereof or other similarly situated materials. In an alternative embodiment, the wedge116is comprised of high-modulus plastic resin.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.1-8, the bottom of the base102comprises a rib system118to ensure that the underside of the cup will be sloped away from the interior of the slide out room to ensure that water will not pool in the cup and will instead run out from the cup. The addition of the rib system118achieves significant improvements in terms of strength and function of the corner cup100and allows for universal application of the corner cup100, including with RV walls of greater than 2″ in width. In particular, the waterless design, increased stiffness/durability and high compression strength for improved load bearing performance of the corner cup100are the result of the rib system118.

The rib system118comprises a plurality of raised protrusions118aextending from the bottom of the base102and beginning from the front end of the base102, near the wedge116side. The protrusions118aextend horizontally toward the rear side of the base102and vertically in the downward direction. As the protrusions extend horizontally along the base102, the vertical extension of the protrusions118aincrease in size, which form a triangular profile. The triangular profile provides a slope along the base102when the corner cup is placed inside the RV. In an embodiment an additional protrusion118bextends beneath the second trough106in the form of a quarter-circle profile. Similar to the triangular profile protrusions118a, the vertical extension of the additional protrusion118bincreases in size as it extends horizontally along the base102. In an embodiment, the protrusions118ado not extend the entire length of the base102and extend to a position proximate the portion of the base102which connects to the angled lip108. In an alternative embodiment, the protrusions extend the entirety of the base102toward the rear wall112. In a second alternative embodiment, the rib system118comprises a single protrusion which extends the width of the bottom of the base portion102.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.1-8, the rib system118comprises protrusions which form a triangular shape with the base102of the corner cup100. In an alternative embodiment, the protrusions of the rib system118form a conic or semispherical shape extending from the base102of the corner cup100.

In an embodiment, the ribs118a,118bof the rib system118run a length of 2.1 in. along the length of the underside of the base102. In an alternative embodiment, the ribs118a,118bof the rib system118run a length of 3.0 in. along the length of the underside of the base102.

The ribs118a,118bof the rib system118ofFIGS.1-8are comprised of a plastic, plastic resin, metal, metal alloy, composite, or combination thereof or other similarly situated materials. In an embodiment, the ribs118a,118bof the rib system118are comprised of high-modulus plastic resin.

FIG.10shows a second corner cup1000for use in an opposite corner of the RV slide out room. The elements of the second corner cup1000are identical to the corner cup100shown inFIG.1, except the elements of the device are mirrored across the horizontal axis.FIG.10shows a first embodiment of a corner cup1000in accordance with the present disclosure. The corner cup1000comprises a base1002, first and second trough1004,1006, angled lip1008, side wall1010, rear wall1012, wedge1016, and rib system1018(including ribs1018a,1018bnot depicted). The corner cup1000further comprises a hole1020(hole1020anot depicted) for fasteners1022(fastener1022anot depicted), and a third wall1024which forms the double L shape of the angled lip1008and side wall1010.

The corner cups100,1000as shown inFIG.1andFIG.10are used in the bottom left and bottom right corners of the RV sealing system.

FIG.9is a side view of the Flip 'N Seal™ RV Sealing Bottom Pan900interacting with the angled lip of the corner cup1000. Other seals may be used in combination with the corner cup1000. Further, both the first and second corner cups100,1000interact with the Flip 'N Seal™ RV Sealing Bottom Pan900in the same manner.

Second Embodiment

FIG.13-20depicts a second embodiment of the corner cup1300. The elements of the second embodiment of the corner cup1300are similar to the corner cup100,1000depicted inFIGS.1and10unless otherwise noted. Like numbered elements correspond to like numbered elements (i.e.,102,1002,1302each identify a base).

The corner cup1300comprises a base1302, first and second trough1304,1306, side wall1310, rear wall1312, wedge1316, and rib system1318.

The corner cup1300comprises a smooth, sloped base1302. The base1302is comprised of a length, width, and thickness of material and is shaped to provide a seat for the slide out room. The base1302is a polygon having a top and bottom, as well as front, rear, left and right sides. The opposing left and right sides connect to a first and second trough1304,1306respectively. The opposing rear and front sides connect to a rear wall1312and wedge1316respectively. The base1302is sloped to facilitate the movement of water away from the RV to prevent leaks. In alternative embodiments, the base1302is square or rectangular in shape. In alternative embodiments, the base1302lies flat along a horizontal axis without a slope.

The base1302ofFIGS.13-20is comprised of a plastic, plastic resin, metal, metal alloy, composite, or combination thereof or other similarly situated materials. In an embodiment, the base1302is comprised of high-modulus plastic resin.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.13-20, the first and second troughs1304,1306ensure that any residual water will be captured and run out of the cup. The troughs1304,1306are recessed by slopes into opposing right and left sides of the horizontal base1302and create a channel for residual water to flow freely out of the RV sealing system. In an embodiment, the troughs1304,1306are comprised of the same material as the base1302.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.13-20, the rear side of the base1302connects to a rear wall1312. The rear wall1312extends generally vertically from the horizontal plane of the base1302. The distance between the front of the base1302and rear wall1312is sized to capture and drain runoff water for an RV slide out room system of all sizes. Generally, the base1302of the corner cup1300is long enough in length to extend from the exterior wall of the RV to the interior of the RV. In an embodiment, the rear wall1312is comprised of a single, straight-edged wall unit.

The rear wall1312ofFIGS.13-20is comprised of a plastic, plastic resin, metal, metal alloy, composite, or combination thereof or other similarly situated materials. In an embodiment, the rear wall1312is comprised of high-modulus plastic resin.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.13-20, the base1302connects to a side wall1310, which extends horizontally along the edge of the base1302and vertically in an upward direction before connecting to the rear wall1312. In an embodiment, the side wall1310is larger in height than the rear wall1312. In the preferred embodiment, the side wall110comprises a consistent length, width, and thickness.

The side wall1310ofFIGS.13-20is comprised of a plastic, plastic resin, metal, metal alloy, composite, or combination thereof or other similarly situated materials. In an embodiment, the side wall is comprised of high-modulus plastic resin.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.13-20, the base1302connects to a wedge1316which comprises an L shape with one portion of the L connecting to the side wall1312near the front side of the base1302and one portion of the L connecting to the front side of the base1302. The wedge1316includes a portion extending downward from the base1302and a portion extending horizontally away from the side wall1310. The wedge1316is shaped to provide an end to the corner cup1300which allows the base1302to rest horizontally along the floor of the slide out column while the interior of the wedge1316is flush along the exterior walls of the RV.

The wedge1316ofFIGS.13-20is comprised of a plastic, plastic resin, metal, metal alloy, composite, or combination thereof or other similarly situated materials. In an alternative embodiment, the wedge1316is comprised of high-modulus plastic resin.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.13-20, the bottom of the base1302comprises a rib system1318to ensure that the underside of the cup will be sloped away from the interior of the slide out room to ensure that water will not pool in the cup and will instead run out from the cup. The addition of the rib system1318achieves significant improvements in terms of strength and function of the corner cup1300and allows for universal application of the corner cup1300, including with RV walls of greater than 2″ in width. In particular, the waterless design, increased stiffness/durability and high compression strength for improved load bearing performance of the corner cup1300are the result of the rib system1318.

The rib system1318comprises a plurality of raised protrusions1318aextending from the bottom of the base1302and beginning from the front end of the base1302, near the wedge1316side. The protrusions1318aextend horizontally toward the rear side of the base1302and vertically in the downward direction. As the protrusions extend horizontally along the base1302, the vertical extension of the protrusions1318aincrease in size, which form a triangular profile. The triangular profile provides a slope along the base1302when the corner cup is placed inside the RV. In an embodiment an additional protrusion1318bextends beneath the second trough1306in the form of a quarter-circle profile. Similar to the triangular profile protrusions1318a, the vertical extension of the additional protrusion1318bincreases in size as it extends horizontally along the base1302. In an embodiment, the protrusions1318ado not extend the entire length of the base1302. In an alternative embodiment, the protrusions extend the entirety of the base1302toward the rear wall1312. In a second alternative embodiment, the rib system1318comprises a single protrusion which extends the width of the bottom of the base portion1302.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.13-20, the rib system1318comprises protrusions which form a triangular shape with the base1302of the corner cup1300. In an alternative embodiment, protrusions of the rib system1318form a conic or semispherical shape extending from the base1302of the corner cup1300.

The ribs1318a,1318bof the rib system1318ofFIGS.13-20are comprised of a plastic, plastic resin, metal, metal alloy, composite, or combination thereof or other similarly situated materials. In an embodiment, the ribs1318a,1318bof the rib system1318are comprised of high-modulus plastic resin.

FIG.21depicts a second corner cup2100for use in an opposite corner of the RV slide out room. The elements of the second corner cup2100are identical to the corner cup1300shown inFIG.13, except the elements of the device are mirrored across the horizontal axis.FIG.21shows a companion embodiment of a corner cup1300in accordance with the present disclosure. The corner cup2100comprises a base2102, first and second trough2104,2106, side wall2110, rear wall2112, wedge2116, and rib system2118(including ribs2118a,2118bnot depicted).

The corner cups1300,2100as shown inFIG.13andFIG.21are used in the bottom right and bottom left corners of the RV sealing system respectively.

Method of Use/Application of the Corner Cup

FIG.11shows a corner cup100in a corner of the frame for an RV slide out room wherein the slide out portion has been removed from view. The elements of the corner cup100inFIG.11correspond to the corner cup shown inFIG.1andFIG.10. The corner cups100are installed by attaching the corner cups to the bottom corners of an RV slide out room system. The side wall110of the corner cup100attaches to the side wall of the RV slide out room system. In a preferred embodiment, the corner cup100attaches to the RV slide out room system via holes120,120aand fasteners122,122a. Alternatively, the corner cup is installed without fastening means. The rear wall112is located proximate the interior of the RV and the front of the base102is located proximate exterior of the RV. A seal system900(such as the Flip 'N Seal™ RV Sealing Bottom Pan) may be installed with the corner cup to provide a seal for the RV.

FIG.12shows a corner cup100in use in an RV with the slide out room in a retracted state. The elements of the corner cup100inFIG.12correspond to the corner cups100shown inFIG.1andFIG.10. In rainy conditions, the RV slide out room may collect water along the exterior of the slide out room. When the RV slide out room is retracted within the RV, the corner cup catches the runoff water and drains the water outside the RV. The rear wall112and a rear portion of the side wall110are shown inFIG.12.

Each embodiment of the corner cup100,1000,1300,2100may be used in connection with the seal system900and RV slide out room in a similar manner.

The foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation, and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention disclosed herein. While the invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Further, although the invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may effect numerous modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in its aspects.

Any other undisclosed or incidental details of the construction or composition of the various elements of the disclosed embodiment of the present invention are not believed to be critical to the achievement of the advantages of the present invention, so long as the elements possess the attributes needed for them to perform as disclosed. Certainly, one skilled in the field would be able to conceive of a wide variety of alternative configurations and successful combinations thereof. The selection of these and other details of construction are believed to be well within the ability of one of even rudimentary skills in this area, in view of the present disclosure. Illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described in considerable detail for the purpose of disclosing a practical, operative structure whereby the invention may be practiced advantageously. The designs described herein are intended to be exemplary only. The novel characteristics of the invention may be incorporated in other structural forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The invention encompasses embodiments both comprising and consisting of the elements described with reference to the illustrative embodiments. All technical terms shall take on their customary meaning as established by the appropriate technical discipline utilized by those normally skilled in that particular area.