Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/205,585 filed Jul. 24, 2002, titled “Locking Mechanism for Recreational Vehicle Baggage Door.” 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to recreational vehicles (RVs) and more specifically, to RV door locking mechanisms that enable multiple baggage doors to lock and unlock as a result of a single activation.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Recreational vehicles (RVs) have become an increasingly popular and common means of recreation. RVs are mobile vehicles that include a living space inside and can be either self-propelled, as in a motorhome, or can depend on another vehicle for their motive power, as in a trailer such as a fifth wheel trailer. A typical RV comprises a ladder frame mounted on a plurality of wheels adapted for rolling movement across the ground. A floor is mounted atop the frame, a plurality of walls is built atop the floor, and a ceiling is built atop the plurality of walls in order to define an interior living space for the RV users.  
         [0006]     RV users will typically use the RV to travel to a recreational area and live in the RV for some period of time. Some RV owners even use their RV as their primary residence. Thus, since an RV will often be used for extended periods of time, RV customers will usually desire storage areas where luggage, supplies, appliances, equipment, and the like can be stowed.  
         [0007]     To address this need, RV manufactures often include hollow compartments to be used as storage areas. These storage areas are usually accessible from outside of the RV, through openings cut in the side of the storage area of the RV, and movable storage area doors usually cover these openings so that cargo will not fall out of the storage areas during travel.  
         [0008]     Since cargo inside the storage areas is often valuable to the RV owner, the RV owner usually desires to secure the storage area from unauthorized access. To address this concern, RV manufacturers often include securing members on the storage area doors. In a typical embodiment, a RV has multiple storage area doors, and each door comprises at least one securing member. Each securing member can move between a locked position, in which the securing member fixes the storage area door in place over the openings in the storage area, and an unlocked position, in which the storage area door can be moved and the RV can access the interior of the storage area through the opening. Typically, each securing mechanism is coupled to a lock, widely known in the art, such that a key is required for moving the securing mechanism between its locked position and unlocked positions. As such, the RV user can lock the storage area to thereby prevent unauthorized access to the cargo.  
         [0009]     When the user wants to lock or unlock the lockable storage area doors, the RV owner must perform the act on each of the lockable doors. Unfortunately, having to spend time walking around the RV locking or unlocking the lockable storage area doors prolongs an already time-consuming loading and unloading process. Also, when the RV user wants to drive the RV somewhere, it is preferable to secure every door; however, the user can easily forget to lock one of the doors. Thus, the RV user sometimes spends additional time double checking each and every lock, or sometimes, the user might drive off with the contents of the unlocked storage area compromised. Furthermore, if the storage area doors have uncommon locks, an additional problem arises; namely, each lock requires a different key, and as such, the user becomes encumbered with multiple keys and must often spend time at each lock trying multiple keys until the correct one is found. Therefore, current multi-lock designs can inconvenience the user of the RV in a number of ways.  
         [0010]     Furthermore, the locks of the storage area doors are almost always located on the outside surface of the RV, requiring the user to get out of the RV to lock and unlock the storage area doors. This can be quite an inconvenience, especially during inclement weather because the user will be exposed to the elements or will have to spend time putting on protective gear to avoid exposure. This is also an inconvenience during the nighttime hours because the darkness often requires the user to awkwardly fumble with a flashlight and the keys as the user tries to find the locks, find the correct key, and guide the key into the lock.  
         [0011]     Hence from the foregoing, there is an ongoing problem with current RVs in that RV users ordinarily must individually lock and unlock the storage area doors, which is exacerbated because the RV user must do so from outside the vehicle. It will be appreciated that there is need to eliminate these inconveniences.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     The aforementioned needs are satisfied by one aspect of the invention relating to a recreational vehicle comprising a frame mounted on wheels adapted to be rollably moved over the ground, and a housing comprising a plurality of walls built on the frame so as to define an interior living space having a bathroom and a bedroom. The housing further defines a plurality of storage spaces each having an access opening adjacent the exterior walls of the housing. The recreational vehicle further comprises a plurality of access doors positioned adjacent the outer wall of the housing adjacent the access openings of the plurality of storage spaces. The plurality of access doors are hingeably attached to the housing so as to be movable between an open position wherein access to the storage is provided via the access opening, and a closed position wherein the storage space is secured from entry via the access opening. The recreational vehicle further comprises a locking system having a plurality of locking members and a central actuator. The plurality of locking members engage with the plurality of access doors such that the plurality of locking members in a locked configuration lock the plurality of access doors into the closed position and in an unlocked configuration permit the plurality of access doors to be moved to an open position. The central actuator is mounted within the housing and is coupled to the plurality of locking members such that controlling of the central actuator results in the plurality of locking members moving between a locked and unlocked configuration.  
         [0013]     In one embodiment, each of the locking members comprises a strike defined by the access door and a movable bolt mounted to the housing such that in the locked configuration a portion of the bolt engages the strike so as to prevent opening of the door. In the unlocked configuration the bolt retracts from the strike so as to permit opening of the door.  
         [0014]     In one embodiment, the movement of the bolt in the locking member is pneumatically actuated. In another embodiment, the movement of the bolt in the locking member is hydraulically actuated. In yet another embodiment, the movement of the bolt in the locking member is electromagnetically actuated. In yet another embodiment, the movement of the bolt in the locking member is mechanically actuated.  
         [0015]     In the embodiment where the bolt is mechanically actuated, the locking member further comprises a cam that is rotatably mounted to the housing such that the cam engages the bolt. The cam being in a first orientation causes the bolt to be pushed into the strike for the locked configuration, and the cam being in a second orientation allows the bolt to retract from the strike for the unlocked configuration. The rotation of the cam is mechanically actuated.  
         [0016]     In one embodiment, the mechanically actuated locking member further comprises a spring that couples the bolt to the housing such that the locked configuration corresponds to the spring being compressed. During transition of the locking member into the unlocked configuration, the spring member relaxes thereby facilitating the retraction of the bolt from the strike. The locking system further comprises a plurality of linkages and gears that interconnect the cam in each of the plurality of locking members to the central actuator so as to transmit mechanical output of the central actuator to the cams.  
         [0017]     In one embodiment, the locking system further comprises a portable transmitter and a receiver wherein the receiver is connected to the central actuator. A signal transmitted by the transmitter is received by the receiver and relayed to the central actuator as the control input. One possible signal is a lock signal, and another possible signal is an unlock signal.  
         [0018]     In one embodiment, the central actuator is configured to receive user input, and based on the user input, selectively activate one or more groups of locking members. In one possible grouping of the locking members, a first group includes a locking member for a main door, and a second group that includes locking members for the plurality of access doors.  
         [0019]     In one embodiment, the recreational vehicle is a motorhome. In another embodiment, the recreational vehicle is a trailer. In one embodiment, the trailer is a fifth-wheel trailer.  
         [0020]     In one embodiment, the relative orientation of the strike to the bolt is adjustable so as to accommodate misalignments. In yet another embodiment, the bolt is tapered on one side such that when engaged with the strike, the bolt urges the door in a first direction. In one configuration of the tapered bolt, the taper is on the interior side such that the bolt urges the door inward when engaged with the strike.  
         [0021]     Another aspect of the invention relates to a recreational vehicle comprising a frame mounted on wheels adapted to be rollably moved over the ground, and a housing comprising a plurality of walls built on the frame so as to define an interior living space having a bathroom and a bedroom. The housing further defines a plurality of storage spaces each having an access opening adjacent the exterior walls of the housing. The recreational vehicle further comprises a plurality of access doors positioned adjacent the outer wall of the housing adjacent the access openings of the plurality of storage spaces. The plurality of access doors are hingeably attached to the housing so as to be movable between an open position wherein access to the storage is provided via the access opening, and a closed position wherein the storage space is secured from entry via the access opening. The plurality of access doors are logically grouped into one or more groups. The recreational vehicle further comprises a locking system having a plurality of locking members controlled by a central actuator. The plurality of locking members are grouped according to one or more logical groups of the access doors such that controlling of the central actuator results in a selected group of locking members associated with a selected group of access doors moving between a locked and unlocked configuration. The selected group of locking members engage with the selected group of access doors such that the selected group of locking members in a locked configuration lock the selected group of access doors into the closed position and in an unlocked configuration permit the selected group of access doors to be moved to an open position. The central actuator is mounted within the housing and is coupled to the one or more groups of locking members.  
         [0022]     In one embodiment, the access doors include a main door to the interior living space, a plurality of baggage compartment doors, and one or more utility access doors. In one embodiment, all the access doors are logically grouped into a single group such that the central actuator is able to lock and unlock all the access doors simultaneously. In another embodiment, the access doors are logically grouped according to functionality of the doors. In one such possible grouping, a first group comprises the main door, a second group comprises baggage compartment doors, and a third group comprises the utility doors. In yet another embodiment, the access doors are logically grouped according to desired level of security.  
         [0023]     In one embodiment, each of the locking members comprises a strike defined by the access door and a movable bolt mounted to the housing such that in the locked configuration a portion of the bolt engages the strike so as to prevent opening of the door. In the unlocked configuration the bolt retracts from the strike so as to permit opening of the door.  
         [0024]     In one embodiment, the movement of the bolt in the locking member is pneumatically actuated. In another embodiment, the movement of the bolt in the locking member is hydraulically actuated. In yet another embodiment, the movement of the bolt in the locking member is electromagnetically actuated. In yet another embodiment, the movement of the bolt in the locking member is mechanically actuated.  
         [0025]     In the embodiment where the bolt is mechanically actuated, the locking member further comprises a cam that is rotatably mounted to the housing such that the cam engages the bolt. The cam being in a first orientation causes the bolt to be pushed into the strike for the locked configuration, and the cam being in a second orientation allows the bolt to retract from the strike for the unlocked configuration. The rotation of the cam is mechanically actuated.  
         [0026]     In one embodiment, the mechanically actuated locking member further comprises a spring that couples the bolt to the housing such that the locked configuration corresponds to the spring being compressed. During transition of the locking member into the unlocked configuration, the spring member relaxes thereby facilitating the retraction of the bolt from the strike. The locking system further comprises a plurality of linkages and gears that interconnect the cam in each of the plurality of locking members to the central actuator so as to transmit mechanical output of the central actuator to the cams.  
         [0027]     In one embodiment, the locking system further comprises a portable transmitter and a receiver wherein the receiver is connected to the central actuator. A signal transmitted by the transmitter is received by the receiver and relayed to the central actuator as the control input. One possible signal is a lock signal, and another possible signal is an unlock signal.  
         [0028]     In one embodiment, the recreational vehicle is a motorhome. In another embodiment, the recreational vehicle is a trailer. In one embodiment, the trailer is a fifth-wheel trailer.  
         [0029]     In one embodiment, the relative orientation of the strike to the bolt is adjustable so as to accommodate misalignments. In yet another embodiment, the bolt is tapered on one side such that when engaged with the strike, the bolt urges the door in a first direction. In one configuration of the tapered bolt, the taper is on the interior side such that the bolt urges the door inward when engaged with the strike. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0030]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an RV comprising a motorhome suitable for practicing one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of an RV comprising a fifth wheel trailer suitable for practicing another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 1C  illustrates an exemplary floor plan of an RV such as the motorhome of  FIG. 1A ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view of one embodiment of a locking mechanism coupled to a plurality of storage area doors;  
         [0034]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a motorhome comprising an RV illustrating another embodiment of the locking mechanism wherein components are arranged on two sides of the motorhome.  
         [0035]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a RV comprising a motorhome, which illustrates internal components of another embodiment of a locking mechanism;  
         [0036]      FIG. 5A ,  FIG. 5B , and  FIG. 5C  are cross sectional views of components of the locking mechanism taken from  FIG. 4  along the lines  5 A- 5 A,  5 B- 5 B, and  5 C- 5 C respectively, wherein  FIG. 5A  shows the locking mechanism in a locked configuration,  FIG. 5B  shows the locking mechanism in an unlocked configuration, and  FIG. 5C  shows the storage area door opened;  
         [0037]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a RV comprising a motorhome, which illustrates internal components of another embodiment of a locking mechanism;  
         [0038]      FIG. 7  is a detail view taken from  FIG. 6 , which illustrates internal components of the embodiment of the linked locked mechanism in greater detail; and  
         [0039]      FIG. 8A ,  FIG. 8B , and  FIG. 8C  are cross sectional views of components of the locking mechanism taken from  FIG. 6  along the lines  8 A- 8 A,  8 B- 8 B, and  8 C- 8 C respectively, wherein  FIG. 8A  shows the locking mechanism in a locked configuration,  FIG. 8B  shows the locking mechanism in an unlocked configuration, and  FIG. 8C  shows the storage area door opened;  
         [0040]      FIG. 9  is a detail view of the RV comprising a motorhome, which illustrates internal components of another embodiment of a locking mechanism;  
         [0041]      FIG. 10  is a functional schematic diagram illustrating how the locking mechanism can be adapted to permit activation of selected group(s) of locks;  
         [0042]      FIG. 11  illustrates one embodiment of a locking member wherein strike and bolt are adjustable relative to each other so as to permit optimized alignment; and  
         [0043]      FIG. 12  illustrates another embodiment of the locking member wherein the bolt is tapered such that when it engages the strike, the tapered edge of the bolt urges the door to fit flush with the wall. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0044]     References will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.  FIG. 1A  illustrates one embodiment of a recreational vehicle (RV)  100   a  comprising a motorhome having a frame  102   a  attached to a plurality of wheels  104   a  so as to permit rolling movement of the RV  100   a  over the ground. As is also shown in  FIG. 1A , a main housing  106   a  is mounted above the frame  102   a  and is essentially formed of a plurality of planar walls  108   a  that are joined together and mounted to the frame  102   a  in a well known manner so as to define an inner living space  110   a  having a floor  111   a.    
         [0045]     Furthermore, below the plane of the floor  111   a  of the RV  100   a , a plurality of planar members (not shown) are interconnected so as to define a plurality of storage areas  121   a , which are essentially hollow cavities. In one embodiment, the storage areas  121   a  are substantially enclosed, but an opening  116   a  is formed in the walls  108   a  of the RV  100   a  adjacent to the storage area  121   a . The opening  116   a  provides the primary path of access into and out of the storage area  121   a.    
         [0046]     Also, the RV  100   a  additionally comprises a plurality of storage area doors  120   a . In one embodiment, the typical storage area door  120   a  is planar and rectangular so as to define a top edge  114   a , a bottom edge  114   b , a back edge  114   c , and a front edge  114   d . In one embodiment, the top edge  114   a  of each individual storage area door  120   a  is hingedly attached to the walls  108   a  over the respective opening  116   a . As such, the storage area door  120   a  is able to pivot between a closed and an open position. As shown in  FIG. 1A , when the storage area door  120   a  is in the closed position, the storage area door  120   a  lies approximately flush with the walls  108   a  of the RV  100   a  so as to substantially cover the opening  116   a , thereby preventing cargo from falling out of the storage area  121   a  inadvertently. When the storage area door  120   a  is in the open position (not shown), the storage area door  120   a  extends out from the walls  108   a  so as to expose the opening  116   a  and allow the user of the RV  100   a  to load and unload the storage area  121   a.    
         [0047]     As will be described in greater detail below, the RV  100   a  also comprises a securing mechanism for locking the storage area doors  121   a  while the storage area doors  121  are in the closed position. This securing mechanism allows the user to lock and unlock multiple storage area doors  121   a  with one activation.  
         [0048]      FIG. 1B  illustrates another embodiment of a RV  100   b  comprising a fifth wheel trailer having a frame  102   b , a plurality of wheels  104   b , a main housing  106   b  comprising walls  108   b , an inner living space  110   b , a floor  111   b , storage areas  121   b , openings  116   b , and storage area doors  120   b  very similar to the RV  100   a  described above in relation to  FIG. 1A . However, this RV  100   b  comprises a male hitch assembly  103  at the front of the RV  100   b  designed to couple with a known female hitch assembly of a towing vehicle so that the RV  100   b  can be towed by the towing vehicle. As will be described in greater detail below, the RV  100   b  also comprises a securing mechanism for locking the storage area doors  121   b  while the storage area doors  121   b  are in the closed position. This securing mechanism allows the user to lock and unlock multiple storage area doors  121   b  with one activation.  
         [0049]      FIG. 1C  illustrates an exemplary floor plan of the RV  10   a  described above in reference to  FIG. 1A . The housing of the RV  110   a  defines an interior living space that includes a living room  220 , a galley  222 , a dining room  224 , a bathroom  226 , and a bedroom  228 . The housing further comprises a plurality of walls  300  that define some of the aforementioned rooms. Thus, the rooms and amenities as exemplified in  FIG. 1C  generally facilitate a comfortable living condition for the user(s) while providing mobility. It will be appreciated that the interior living space of the RV may be configured in any number of possible configurations without departing from the spirit of the invention disclosed herein.  
         [0050]     Hereinbelow, the present invention will be discussed as incorporated into a RV  100   a  comprising a motorhome. However, it is understood that the present invention could be incorporated into other forms of RVs, such as towable trailers including the fifth wheel trailer without departing from the spirit of the invention.  
         [0051]     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , a schematic illustration of a locking mechanism  125  is illustrated coupled to a portion of the storage area doors  120   a  as well as a portion of the walls  108   a  of the RV  100   a . As shown, the locking mechanism  125  comprises a plurality of securing members  169  coupled to the storage area doors  120   a  as well as the walls  108   a  of the RV  100   a . Preferably, there is at least one securing member  169  coupled to each storage area door  120   a , but in some embodiments, there are multiple securing members  169  coupled to each individual door  120   a . As will be described in more detail below, the securing members  169  can shift between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. When the securing members  169  are in the unlocked configuration, the storage area doors  120   a  can be moved between their open and closed positions. However, when the securing members  169  are in the locked configuration, the storage area doors  169  cannot shift from their closed positions.  
         [0052]     The locking mechanism  125  also comprises an input system  140 , which delivers signals to the securing members  169  to ultimately shift the securing members  169  between their respective locked and unlocked configurations. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the input system  140  comprises a central actuator  160  with which the user generates the locking and unlocking signals to be sent to the plurality of securing members  169 . The input system  140  also comprises a transmission member  185 , which is able to carry the signal from the central actuator  160  to the plurality of securing members  169  to ultimately lock and unlock the plurality of securing members  169 . As will be described in greater detail below, the activation signals can include electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or even mechanical signals without departing from the spirit of the invention.  
         [0053]     As such, the locking mechanism  125  allows a user to lock and unlock multiple storage area doors  120   a  with one activation input. Advantageously, this feature is a convenience for the user of the RV  100   a  because it eliminates the inconvenience associated with having to lock and unlock each individual storage area door  120   a.    
         [0054]      FIG. 3  is a schematic top view of the RV  100   a  comprising a motorhome, wherein the RV  100   a  has storage area doors  120   a  on both the driver and passenger side of the RV  100   a . Also, components of the locking mechanism  125  are positioned on both sides of the RV  100   a . In this embodiment, the input system  140  is coupled to the plurality of securing members  169  with a first transmission member branch  188 , which extends to the securing members  169  on the driver&#39;s side of the RV  100   a , and a second transmission member branch  189 , which extends to the securing members  169  on the passenger&#39;s side of the RV  100 . In this embodiment, the first and second transmission member branches  188 ,  189  are joined at the central actuator  160 . As such, the locking mechanism  125  allows for the locking and unlocking of multiple storage area doors  120   a  through one activation, even when storage area doors  120   a  are positioned on multiple sides of the RV  100   a . Therefore, the RV  100   a  can comprise additional storage area doors  120   a  located in a plurality of locations without departing from the spirit of the invention.  
         [0055]     In still other embodiments, the locking mechanism  125  comprises additional securing members  169  coupled to doors other than the storage area doors  120   a . For instance, in some embodiments, the locking mechanism  125  is coupled to main entranceway doors, closet doors, cupboard doors and the like. As such, the user can lock or unlock this multitude of securing mechanisms  169  with a single activation to advantageously make the RV  100   a  more convenient for the user.  
         [0056]      FIG. 4  illustrates a more specific embodiment of the locking mechanism  125  comprising an input system  140  and four securing members  169 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, this embodiment can comprise electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic subcomponents or a combination thereof.  
         [0057]     In this embodiment, the typical securing mechanism  169  generally comprises a bolt  134 . In the embodiment shown, the bolt  134  is a solid, cylindrical member, defining a top end  155  and a bottom end  156 . In one embodiment, the bolt  134  is metallic and the top end  155  is chamfered. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the bolt  134  is mounted within the walls  108   a  of the RV  100   a  directly below the storage area doors  120   a . In a typical storage area door  120   a , one bolt  134  is mounted adjacent to a first lower corner  176  of the storage area door  120   a , where the bottom edge  114   b  and front edge  114   d  of the storage area door  120   a  meet. Also, another bolt  134  is mounted adjacent to a second lower corner  177  of the storage area door  120   a , where the bottom edge  114   b  and back edge  114   c  of the storage area door  120   a  meet.  
         [0058]     As will be described in more detail below, the bolts  134  are able to shift between a locked and an unlocked configuration. The locking mechanism  125  enables multiple bolts  134  of multiple storage area doors  120   a  to shift between their respective locked and unlocked configurations to advantageously allow the user to lock or unlock multiple storage area doors  120   a  with a single activation.  
         [0059]     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the locking mechanism  125  also comprises the input system  140 . In one embodiment, the input system  140  generally comprises a plurality of electrical components such as conductive wires, resistors, capacitors and the like such that an electrical signal may be generated and be passed to the securing members  169 . In another embodiment, the input system  140  comprises a plurality of valves, tubes, pumps, and the like such that a hydraulic or pneumatic signal may be generated and be passed to the securing members  169 . In still another embodiment described in greater detail below, the input system  140  comprises mechanical members that allow a mechanical signal to pass to the securing members  169  (i.e. the mechanical members move to thereby move the securing members  169 ). This electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical signal ultimately moves the securing members  169  between their respective locked and unlocked configurations.  
         [0060]     More particularly, the input system  140  comprises the central actuator  160  mentioned above in relation to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 . The central actuator  160  comprises a plurality of components that can be physically manipulated by the user, such as buttons, knobs, and the like, and the central actuator  160  translates physical manipulation of these components into the electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical signal.  
         [0061]     That signal is then passed from the central actuator  160  to the securing members  169  through the transmission member  185 . The transmission member  185  preferably is routed within the walls  108   a  of the RV  100   a  so that it is out of sight and it is unlikely to be hazardous to the user of the RV  100   a . The transmission member  185  is also attached to the bottom ends  156  of the plurality of bolts  134  in a manner such that the electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical signal can be communicated to the bolt  134 . Once a bolt  134  receives this signal, the bolt  134  moves between either its locked or unlocked configuration as will be described in greater detail below.  
         [0062]      FIG. 5A ,  FIG. 5B , and  FIG. 5C  illustrate the components of the locking mechanism  125  and their function in more detail. The wall  108   a  comprises a first flange  142  on an internal side  148  of the wall  108   a  and a second flange  180  on an external side  149  of the wall  108   a  such that the first and second flanges  142 ,  180  and the portion of the wall  108   a  lying therebetween combine to define a channel  146 . As shown, many components of the locking mechanism  125  reside inside the channel  146 .  
         [0063]     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 5A ,  FIG. 5B , and  FIG. 5C , the storage area door  120   a  comprises a first flange  152  located on an internal side  128  of the storage area door  120   a  and a second flange  153  located on an external side  129  of the storage area door  120   a . As such, the first and second flange  152 ,  153  and the storage area door  120   a  lying therebetween combine to define a strike  136 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , a portion of the bolt  134  extends above the wall  108   a  and extends into the strike  136  when the bolt  134  is in the locked configuration as will be described in greater detail below.  
         [0064]     In one embodiment, the transmission member  185  is connected to the bolt  134  with a connecting member  172 . In this embodiment, the connecting member  172  comprises a base  183 , which is rigidly attached to the wall  108   a . Also, the connecting member  172  comprises a piston  184 , which is slidably attached to the base  183  on a lower end  174 , and is rigidly attached to the bottom end  156  of the bolt  134  on an upper end  175 . As such, the base  183  of the connecting member  172  receives signals coming through the transmission member  185 . Then, the base  183  translates that signal into movement of a piston  184  upward or downward.  
         [0065]     For example, in one embodiment, the base  183  comprises an electromagnetic actuator such that when the base  183  receives a first electronic signal from the transmission member  185 , the components of the electromagnetic actuator engage to slide the piston  184  upward and away from the base  183 . Conversely, when the base  183  receives a second electronic signal from the transmission member  185 , the components of the electromagnetic actuator engage to slide the piston  184  downward and toward the base  183 .  
         [0066]     In another embodiment, a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid moves into the base  183 , causing the piston  184  to slide upward and away from the base  183 . Conversely, when a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid moves out of the base, the components of the base  183  cause the piston to slide downward and toward the base  183 .  
         [0067]     Since the piston  184  is rigidly attached to the bolt  134 , the bolt  134  moves in unison with the piston  184 . Ultimately, this movement results in the shifting of the bolt  134  between its locked and unlocked configurations as will be discussed in greater detail below.  
         [0068]     In the embodiment shown, the bolt  134  comprises a cylindrical member, rigidly attached to the piston  184  so that the vertical movement of the piston  184  causes vertical movement of the bolt  134 . At its highest point, the bolt  134  partially enters the strike  136  as shown in  FIG. 5A . As such, the storage area door  120   a  cannot be opened because the bolt  134  interferes with the flange  142  as the storage area door  120   a  pivots open. This is known as the locked configuration of the bolt  134 . Conversely, at its lowest point, the bolt  134  lies outside the strike  136  as shown in  FIG. 5B  and  FIG. 5C . As such, the storage area door  120   a  can be opened because the bolt  134  does not interfere with the pivoting of the storage area door  120   a . This is known as the unlocked configuration of the storage area door  120   a.    
         [0069]     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5A ,  FIG. 5B , and  FIG. 5C , the top end  155  of the bolt  134  defines a self-seating surface  158 . In one embodiment, the self-seating surface  158  extends around the circumference of the cylindrical top end  155  and the angle of the self-seating surface with respect to the plane of the top end  155  is approximately forty-five degrees. In one embodiment, the self-seating surface  158  is formed with a chamfering process known widely in the manufacturing arts. When the bolt  134  is moving from its unlocked configuration to its locked configuration and the strike  136  is off-center with respect to the bolt  134 , the self-seating surface  158  might contact the flanges  152   a ,  152   b . This contact shifts the storage area door  120   a  slightly, thereby centering the strike  136  with respect to the bolt  134 . Advantageously, the bolt  134  is more likely to seat directly into the strike  136  to thereby lock the storage area door  120   a  more securely.  
         [0070]     It is understood that the securing members  169  shown in  FIG. 5A ,  FIG. 5B , and  FIG. 5C  are typical of all of the securing members  169  included in this embodiment of the locking mechanism  125 . Thus, it is understood that all of the securing members  169  function in substantially the same manner. As stated, the transmission members  185  are coupled to the bases  183  of these securing members  169 , and the transmission members  185  are also coupled to the central actuator  160 . As such, an input supplied to the central actuator  160  will be sent through the transmission members  185  to the plurality of securing members  169 , and the securing members  169  will preferably shift between their respective locked and unlocked configurations as a result of the input sent from the central actuator  160 .  
         [0071]     Thus, the user is able to shift multiple bolts  134  on multiple storage area doors  120   a  (i.e. secure or release multiple storage area doors  120   a ) with a single activation. This feature is very convenient for the user of the RV  100   a  because it eliminates the inconvenience associated with having to lock and unlock each individual storage area door  120   a . This advantageously limits the amount of time necessary for loading and unloading the RV  100   a  and also limits the user&#39;s exposure to the elements in the event of loading or unloading in inclement weather. Also, this feature is convenient because the user does not become encumbered with multiple keys previously necessary for some multi-lock RV  100   a  designs. Furthermore, the user can easily activate the locking mechanism  125  to secure the storage area doors  120   a  and drive away in the RV  100   a  confident that the storage area doors  120   a  are secured, whereas with previous designs, the user would either spend additional time checking each storage area door  120   a  or drive off unsure of the security of the storage area doors  120   a.    
         [0072]     It should also be noted that in one embodiment, the central actuator  160  is positioned within the internal living space  110   a  of the RV  100   a . For instance, the central actuator  160  is mounted in the dashboard (not shown) of the RV  100   a  in one embodiment. Positioning the central actuator  160  within the internal living space  110   a  allows the user to lock and unlock the storage area doors  120   a  without having to leave the internal living space  110   a  of the RV. Thus, when the user wants to lock the storage area doors  120   a  and there is inclement weather outside the RV  100   a , the user can advantageously lock the storage area doors  120   a  without exposing themselves to the inclement weather. Advantageously, this embodiment also facilitates locking and unlocking of the storage area doors  120   a  in the dark because the central actuator  160  can be more easily seen by internal lighting of the RV  100   a.    
         [0073]     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , an illustration of a different embodiment of the locking mechanism  125  is shown incorporated into a RV  100   a . As will be described in more detail below, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  comprises primarily mechanical subcomponents. Similar to the aforementioned embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  through  FIG. 5C , this embodiment of the locking mechanism  125  comprises a plurality of securing members  169  coupled to a plurality of storage area doors  120   a , and the locking mechanism  125  also comprises an input system  140  coupled to the securing members  169 .  
         [0074]     In this embodiment, the individual securing members  169  each comprise a bolt  134 , which is substantially similar to the bolts  134  described above in relation to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5A ,  FIG. 5B , and  FIG. 5C . The bolts  134  in this embodiment are able to shift between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration in a manner to be described in greater detail below.  
         [0075]     The input system  140  of this embodiment comprises a plurality of cams  132 , which are oblong pieces pivotally attached to other members of the input system  140  underneath an individual bolt  134 . When pivoted in one orientation, a typical cam  132  causes its associated bolt  134  to move into its locked configuration. When pivoted in another orientation, the cam  132  causes the bolt  134  to move into its unlocked configuration as will be described in greater detail below.  
         [0076]     The input system  140  also comprises a pivot rod  130 . In one embodiment, the pivot rod  130  is a long, cylindrical member with a relatively small diameter having a first end  145 . The pivot rod  130  is positioned underneath the storage area doors  120   a  and is rigidly attached to the plurality of cams  132  at their respective locations under the plurality of bolts  134 . As will be described in greater detail below, rotation of the pivot rod  130  causes rotation of the cams  132 , which ultimately results in the movement of the bolts  134  between their respective locked and unlocked configurations.  
         [0077]     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the input system  140  also comprises a first linkage  118 , and a second linkage  119 . Both the first and second linkages  118 ,  119  are primarily long, cylindrical members with relatively small diameters. As will be described in greater detail below, the first and second linkages  118 ,  119  are interlocked together and are connected to the pivot rod  130  such that the rotation of the first and second linkages  118 ,  119  causes the pivot rod  130  (and therefore the cams  132 ) to rotate. Rotation of the cams  132  ultimately causes the bolts  134  to move between their locked and unlocked configurations.  
         [0078]     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the input system further comprises the central actuator  160  described above, and the central actuator  160  is coupled to the second linkage  119 . In one embodiment, the central actuator comprises a lever  161 , a rod-like member that is able to pivot over a certain range of rotation. When the user of the RV  100   a  pivots the lever  161  in one direction, the second linkage  119 , the first linkage  118 , the pivot rod  130 , and the cams  132  rotate in one direction to move the plurality of bolts  134  in one direction. When the user of the RV  100   a  pivots the lever  161  in the opposite direction, the second linkage  119 , the first linkage  118 , the pivot rod  130 , and the cams  132  rotate in the opposite direction to move the plurality of bolts  134  in the opposite direction. As such, the locking mechanism  125  allows the user of the RV  100   a  to advantageously lock or unlock multiple storage area doors with a single activation in a manner to be discussed in greater detail below.  
         [0079]     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , one embodiment of the pivot rod  130 , the first linkage  118 , and the second linkage  119  are shown in detail. Several gears are included in this embodiment in order to interlock the pivot rod  130 , the first linkage  118 , and the second linkage  119 . This is because gears can interlock two separate members such that rotation of one member causes rotation of the other member as is widely known in the art. In this embodiment, a first end  145  of the pivot rod  130  comprises a first gear  112 . The first linkage  118  comprises a second gear  113  at its first end, and as shown, the second gear  113  interlocks with the first gear  112 . Also, the first linkage  118  comprises a third gear  115  at its second end, and the second linkage  119  comprises fourth gear  170  at its first end  123 . As shown, the fourth gear  170  of the second linkage  119  interlocks with the third gear  115 .  
         [0080]     As such, when the user of the RV  110   a  supplies an input signal through the central actuator  160 , the second linkage  119  rotates about its axis, and the fourth gear  170  begins to rotate about the axis of the second linkage  119  as well. Rotation of the fourth gear  170  causes the third gear  115  and the second gear  113  of the first linkage  118  to rotate about the axis of the first linkage  118 . Rotation of the second gear  113  causes the first gear  168  of the pivot rod  130  to rotate about the axis of the pivot rod  130 , and this ultimately causes the rotation of the cams  132  about the axis of the pivot rod  130 . As will be described below, rotation of the cams  132  causes the plurality of bolts  134  on multiple storage area doors  120  to move between their respective locked and unlocked configurations.  
         [0081]     Turning now to  FIG. 8A ,  FIG. 8B , and  FIG. 8C , a cross section of the typical securing member  169  of the locking mechanism  125  of  FIG. 6  is shown. As shown, the securing members  169  of this embodiment reside in the channel  146  of the wall  108   a  and the strike  136  similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5A ,  FIG. 5B , and  FIG. 5C .  
         [0082]     As shown, the cam  132  is oblong so as to define a major axis  143  and a minor axis  144 , and the pivot rod  130  is rigidly attached to the cam  132  such that rotation of the pivot rod  130  will cause the cam  132  to rotate in tandem. As shown in  FIG. 8A , one orientation of the pivot rod  130  causes the major axis  143  of the cam  132  to point in the vertical direction substantially. In such an orientation, the cam  132  pushes upward on the bolt  134  and moves the top end  155  of the bolt  134  into the strike  136 . As such, the storage area door  120   a  is inhibited from moving from its closed position to its open position because as it moves, the top end  155  of the bolt  134  interferes with the flanges  152   a ,  152   b  and the first edge  187  of the storage area door  120   a.    
         [0083]     As shown in  FIG. 8B  and  FIG. 8C , another orientation of the pivot rod  130  causes the minor axis  144  to point in the vertical direction substantially. In this orientation, the vertical profile of the cam  132  is reduced, allowing the bolt  134  to drop into the channel  146 , leaving the storage area door  120   a  free to move between its open and closed positions.  
         [0084]     In one embodiment, the locking mechanism  125  comprises a spring  150  having a first end  178  and a second end  179 . The spring  150  is widely known for exerting a reactive force when one of its ends is displaced with respect to its other end. The first end  178  of the spring  150  is coupled to the bolt  134  and the second end  179  of the spring  150  is coupled to the wall  108   a . More specifically, the spring  150  is placed over the cylindrical bolt  134 , and the first end  178  of the spring  150  is retained by a first spring seat  126 , a short cylinder attached to the bottom end  156  of the bolt  134  having a diameter larger than the diameter of the spring  150 . The second end  179  of the spring  150  is retained by a second spring seat  127 , a thin ridge of material attached to the first and second flanges  142 ,  180  extending far enough into the channel  146  to interfere with the second end  179  of the spring  150 . The spring  150  preferably biases the bolt  134  downward toward the cam  132 . Preferably, the force of the spring  150  sufficiently inhibits the bolt  134  from moving upward and entering the strike  136  when the cam  132  is positioned such that its minor axis  144  is positioned vertically. Advantageously, the bolt  134  is unlikely to inadvertently interfere with the storage area door  120   a  when the bolt  134  is in the unlocked configuration.  
         [0085]     It is understood that the cross sections of the securing members  169  shown in  FIG. 8A ,  FIG. 8B , and  FIG. 8C  are typical of all of the securing members  169  included in this embodiment of the locking mechanism  125 . Thus, it is understood that all of the securing members  169  function in substantially the same manner. As stated, the pivot rod  130  is coupled to the plurality of cams  132  included in this locking mechanism  125 , and the pivot rod  130  is also indirectly coupled to the central actuator  160 . As such, shifting of the lever  161  causes the pivot rod  130  to rotate which causes the cams  132  to rotate since the pivot rod  130  is coupled to the plurality of cams  132 . The rotation of the cams  132  causes all of the bolts  134  to shift, and thus, multiple storage area doors  120   a  can be locked or unlocked with a single shift of the lever  161 .  
         [0086]     It is understood that the embodiment of the locking mechanism  125  shown in  FIG. 6  through  FIG. 8C  possess essentially the same advantages as the embodiment of the locking mechanism  125  shown in  FIG. 4  through  FIG. 5C . Namely, both embodiments of the locking mechanism  125  offer an added convenience to the user of the RV  100   a  because the locking mechanism  125  advantageously eliminates the inconvenience associated with having to lock or unlock multiple storage area doors  125 . Also, both embodiments of the locking mechanism  125  can comprise a central actuator  160  that is positioned within the internal living space  110   a  of the RV  100   a . Such placement advantageously limits the user&#39;s exposure to inclement weather and it also facilitates locking or unlocking of the storage area doors  120   a  when it is dark outside the RV  100   a.    
         [0087]     Turning now to  FIG. 9 , another embodiment of the locking mechanism  125  is shown. This embodiment specifically illustrates an alternative central actuator  160 . As shown, the central actuator  160  comprises a transmitter  163  and a receiver  164 .  
         [0088]     In one embodiment, the transmitter  163  is a small portable unit comprising components, such as buttons or dials, which can be physically manipulated by a user (not shown). Once manipulated, the transmitter  163  emits a signal into the air and that signal is communicated to the receiver  164 . In one embodiment, the transmitter  163  emits RF signals.  
         [0089]     Once the receiver  164  receives the signal from the transmitter  163 , the receiver  164  translates that signal into an electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical signal, which is then sent through the transmission member  185  to the securing members  169 . That electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical signal ultimately shifts the securing members  169  between their respective locked and unlocked configurations as described above in relation to the embodiments shown in  FIG. 4  through  FIG. 8C . In one embodiment, the transmitter  163  emits a signal at a first frequency, which ultimately causes the locking of the storage area doors  120   a . Likewise, the transmitter  163  emits a signal at a second frequency, which ultimately causes the unlocking of the storage area doors  120   a.    
         [0090]     As stated, the transmitter  163  is a small, portable unit, and the user can take the transmitter  163  outside the RV  100   a . As such, the user can lock or unlock the storage area doors  120   a  from anywhere near the RV  100   a  depending only on the ability of the signals to be received by the receiver  164 . Advantageously, this embodiment of the locking mechanism  125  allows the user to lock or unlock the storage area doors  120   a  while moving about or around the RV  100   a  For instance, the user may want to unlock or lock the storage area doors  120   a  when the user is standing outside the RV  100   a . Advantageously, this embodiment of the locking mechanism  125  facilitates this desire.  
         [0091]     Although embodiments of the locking mechanism  125  are shown above as comprising mainly electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical components, it should be noted that various other embodiments of the locking mechanism  125  could comprise a combination of hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic, or mechanical elements without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the various embodiments of the locking mechanism described above are configured for baggage doors that are hinged along the top edges such that the doors swing upward to open. The locks are positioned adjacent the bottom edges of the doors so as to provide bottom sealing baggage doors. It will be appreciated that the locking mechanisms disclosed herein may be adapted to other types of doors by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.  
         [0092]      FIG. 10  illustrates a functional schematic diagram of one possible alternate embodiment of the locking system described above. In particular, the central actuator  160  ( FIGS. 4, 6 ,  9 ) is adapted so as to permit activation of selected group(s) of locks among the plurality of locks that secure the plurality of doors on the RV. A user input  200  is received by the activation device  160 , and based on the input  200 , the activation device  160  can activate a first group of locks  202 , a second group of locks  204 , and so on, or combinations thereof. As an example, the first group may include the main door of the RV, the second group may include all the external baggage doors, and a third group may include access doors that include by way of example, a generator hood, an engine compartment door, and a fuel filler cover. In another example, the first group may include doors with greater importance in security and the second group may include doors with lesser importance in security. It will be appreciated that the activation device  160  may be configured in any number of ways to permit selective activations of locks and doors grouped logically without departing from the spirit of the invention.  
         [0093]     For the various embodiments of the locking systems described above in reference to  FIGS. 4, 6 ,  9 , the user input  200  may comprise different buttons, switches, levers, signals or the like for activating different groups. In one embodiment, the user input  200  is achieved by a numeric keypad wherein the user inputs a code to activate one or more of the locking/unlocking functions described above.  
         [0094]     Alternatively, the keypad, buttons, switches, levers, signals or the like may be configured to perform different functions when activated in different manners. For example, the remote transmitter  163  in  FIG. 9  may be configured in a similar manner as many transmitters used for passenger automobiles, where a first press of an unlock button unlocks the driver&#39;s door and a second press of the same button unlocks the rest of the doors. Thus for example, the remote transmitter  163  and the activation device  160  may be configured such that a first press of a button unlocks the main door of the RV and a second press of the same button unlocks all the baggage doors.  
         [0095]      FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate two possible configurations of the bolt and the strike employed in the access door described above. In particular, the two configurations permit the door to be closed and locked relative to the wall such that the door aligns with the wall in a desirable manner.  
         [0096]      FIG. 11  illustrates a sectional view of the door and the wall when facing the door. The door  120  is in a closed orientation relative to the wall  103 . In one embodiment, a locking member  230  comprises a strike  210  that defines an opening  214  sized to receive a bolt  212  when in the locked configuration. The bolt  212  is shown to be misaligned with the strike  210 , such that the bolt  212  would undesirably engage the strike at location  216 . Such misalignment situation may arise from manufacturing errors or tolerances, and one of the negative consequences is the difficulty insertion of the bolt  212  into the recess  214  defined by the strike  210 . If the bolt is somehow forced into the strike, the door may be in a strained configuration relative to the wall.  
         [0097]     To accommodate such misalignments, the locking member  230  is adapted so as to permit adjustment of the strike  210  as shown by arrow  220 . The bolt  212  may also be adapted to be adjusted as shown by arrow  222 . The adjustment of the strike  210  may be achieved, for example, by providing a margin at the securing points (e.g., slotted screw holes in the strike) of the strike to the door (not shown). The bolt  212  may be adapted to be adjusted in a similar manner. Furthermore, the strike and/or the bolt may be adapted to be adjustable along a direction perpendicular to the direction indicated by arrows  220  and  222 .  
         [0098]      FIG. 12  illustrates a side cross sectional view of a locking member  240  comprising a strike  242  mounted on the door  120 , and a bolt  244  mounted on the wall. The bolt  244  comprises a tapered side  246  dimensioned such that when the bolt  244  extends into the strike  242 , a portion of the tapered side  246  engages a portion of the strike  242  at location  250 . In one embodiment, the tapered side  246  is formed on the interior side (left side in the Figure) such that when the bolt engages the strike (at location  250 ), the bolt  246  urges the strike  242  (and hence the door) inward for an improved sealing of the door  120 . In the Figure, the improved sealing of the door  102  is exemplified by a flush alignment of the exterior surfaces  252  and  254  of the door and wall. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that such a flush fit of the door is advantageous not only for sealing function, but also for aesthetics of the door.  
         [0099]     Although the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has shown, described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the detail of the apparatus as illustrated as well as the uses thereof, may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention. Consequently, the scope of the invention should not be limited to the foregoing discussions, but should be defined by the appended claims.

Technology Category: y