Abstract: An enclosure is described for the box of a pick-up truck. The box of a pickup truck is defined by a front wall, side walls and a rear gate the flat upper surfaces of the box forming a rectangle. The enclosure has a front wall, side walls and a rear gate which have flat lower surfaces and form a rectangle substantially congruent with a box, and mountable atop same. This defines a space enclosed by the box and an enclosure. The enclosure of the present invention is pivotally connectable along a selected side wall thereof to a corresponding side wall of a box, and is characterised in that between the other Side wall of an enclosure of the invention and the corresponding side wall of a box is provided a pair of lifting arms to assist in the lifting, and closing, of said enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an enclosure to the back of a motor vehicle which contains an integral plate, at least devices for attaching such plate to the motor vehicle, a cover, a device for attaching the cover to the integral plate, and a device for attaching the cover to the motor vehicle. When the cover is attached to both the integral plate and to the motor vehicle, it encloses the space between the back section of such vehicle and such cover and forms a substantially waterproof enclosure covering the space.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an enclosure to a motor vehicle. The device contains a substantially quadrilaterally shaped plate, a first device for attaching the plate to the motor vehicle, a second device for attaching the plate to the motor vehicle, a substantially weatherproof cover, and fastening structure for attaching the cover to the plate.

Abstract: An extendible slideout room having a roof, floor, and sidewalls is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position within a lateral wall of a vehicle such as a motorhome, a boat, or virtually any type of trailer. In the retracted position, the roof, floor and two side walls of the slideout room are disposed within the vehicle, with a third outer side wall positioned in sealed contact with the vehicle's lateral wall about the periphery of the slideout room. When extended, the slideout room's roof, floor and sidewalls project outwardly from the vehicle's lateral wall in sealed contact with the vehicle's wall. Elongated screws rotationally coupled to the slideout room's outer side wall at their respective distal ends are inserted through respective threaded fittings fixedly attached to the vehicle's lateral wall, with each screw disposed adjacent a respective corner of the room.

Abstract: A coach, having an interior living space, which coach has at least one and no more than two expansion chambers. Each expansion chamber is formed as a box having top, side and bottom walls and one rear or front wall. The coach may be a trailer, an RV body disposed upon a truck chassis, or a recreational vehicle having a self-contained propulsion system. The coach may have instead of wheels as a support system, a series of vertical jacks or other support mechanism to thereby render the coach suitable for use as an office or an industrial facility. The coach features a spaced inner and outer wall construction and which may have no closing wall at the position at which the chamber is disposed. The chamber is adapted such that its sidewalls when in the retracted position are disposed between the inner and outer sidewalls of the living space.

Abstract: A trailer having a slideout mechanism for moving an extensible cabin between a retracted position wherein the cabin is substantially inside the trailer and an extended position wherein the cabin is substantially outside the trailer. The slideout mechanism comprising an extension means for positioning the cabin between the retracted and extended positions and a leveling means for vertically positioning the cabin floor between a raised position wherein the cabin floor is substantially above the trailer floor and a lowered position wherein the cabin floor is substantially level with the trailer floor. In one embodiment, the leveling means comprises a frame member having a predetermined profile for controlling the vertical movement of the outboard end of the cabin floor as the cabin is positioned between the retracted and extended positions. In other embodiments, the leveling means comprises a cam assembly or a riser assembly for controlling the vertical position of the cabin floor.

Abstract: A camper shell (12) attaches to a cargo bed (16) of a pickup truck (14) through a hinging mechanism (50). The hinging mechanism (50) resides within the shell (12) and causes the entire shell (12) to move rearward and upward as the shell (12) pivots upward. The hinging mechanism (50) includes upper arms (52), lower arms (54) and a counterbalancing spring (66, 76). The upper arms (52) are longer than the lower arms (54), and the upper arms (52) pivotally attach to the shell (12) at pivot points (58) which are spaced apart from and above the pivot points (62) where the lower arms pivotally attach to shell (12). The upper arms (52) pivotally attach to the cargo bed (16) at pivot points (56) that are spaced apart from and rearward of the pivot points (60) where the lower arms (54) pivotally attach to the cargo bed (16). The counterbalancing spring (66, 76) urges the shell to pivot upward.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an enclosure to the back of a motor vehicle which contains a substantially quadrilateral-shaped plate, at least two devices for attaching such plate to the motor vehicle, a cover, and means for attaching the cover to the substantially quadrilateral-shape plate. When the apparatus is attached the motor vehicle, it encloses the space between the back section of such vehicle and such cover and forms a substantially water-proof enclosure covering the space.

Abstract: A combination boat/camper shell/pop-up tent apparatus which is mounted to a pickup's bed sidewalls. The apparatus includes an upper and a lower frame. The lower frame is shaped generally to conform with the pickup bed walls, and includes left and right lower side rails, and a lower front rail. The lower rails may be removably secured to the pickup sidewalls by clamps or the like. The upper frame also includes left and right upper side rails and an upper front rail. The upper front rail is hingedly connected to the lower front rail so the rear of the upper frame may be lifted. The upper frame is shaped to accept and hold a camper shell, thus, when the camper shell is on the upper frame and the frame is lifted access to the pickup bed is increased. While the upper frame is in the raised position, tent material may be attached to the frame to provide a tent. Supports hingedly connected to both the upper and the lower frame are provided to hold the upper frame in the raised position.

Abstract: An improved folding trailer includes a base member supported by a pair of wheels with a top member movably connected to the base member. A plurality of extendable support units is mounted on the base member and can be hydraulically driven to extend the top member. The hydraulic system is connected to the extendable support units through pulleys and cables and includes a pressure-compensated flow control valve system for hydraulically limiting the retraction rate of these extendable support units.

Abstract: An expandable room structure is provided having relatively movable room portions supported by telescopically sliding tubes, at least one of those tubes being movable also laterally to pivot as the room portion floors slide into the same horizontal plane when the room structure is moving into expanded positions. In retracted positions the room portion floors are vertically spaced to permit one room portion to nest within the other. A rack and pinion drive arrangement is provided to cause relative movement between the tubes. Lateral movement of one of the tubes is permitted by engagement with an inclined surface extending out of the other tube such that the laterally moving tube pivots about the pinion. A ramp surface is formed on the abutting edge of the floor of one room portion, and the abutting edge of the floor of the other room portion moves up and down that ramp portion when transitioning between expanded and retracted positions.

Abstract: A collapsible cap assembly for a pickup truck or the like includes a pair of track members mounted to the side walls of the pickup truck box, and a series of frame members mounted to the track members. A front frame assembly is stationarily mounted to the track members, and a rear frame assembly and a pair of intermediate frame members are movably mounted to the track members for movement between an extended operative position and a collapsed storage position. A handle is pivotably mounted to the rear frame assembly for assisting in movement of the rear frame assembly and the intermediate frame members between their operative and collapsed positions. A window and door assembly is mounted to the rear frame assembly.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a utility/camper multiple purpose shell integrated with a pick-up truck frame and cab. The shell is adaptable (1) to being fully opened at the rear, (2) to having the roof thereof pivotally raised to permit standing room for a user, (3) to having flexible walls attached to the raised roof suitable for camping therein, and (4) to having the roof thereof lifted off of the front and side walls. The shell components are formed of light weight materials and bonded together.

Abstract: A tenting system for use in association with the bed of a pick-up truck comprising a container having a separable, generally rectangular piece of hard material constituting a floor outside of the truck bed when deployed and positionable within the container when in storage, the floor being fabricated of a rigid material and configured to be essentially the same size as that of the container; a rigid lid of a size to cover the container with a hinge coupled to the forward edge of the lid, fabric material located between the side edges of the container and the parallel edges of the lid adjacent to the hinge and transverse to the hinge with an adjustable rod for support; and a tent having parallel sidewalls transverse to the hinge and a rear wall with an entry flap and an open forward end positionable over the upper rear extent of the lid when deployed to allow for communication between the interior of the tent and the interior of the pick-up, the tent having poles for support when deployed and associated tie do

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an enclosure to the back of a motor vehicle which contains a substantially U-shaped plate, at least two devices for attaching such plate to the motor vehicle, a cover, a device for attaching the cover to the substantially U-shaped plate, and a device for attaching the cover to the motor vehicle. When the cover is attached to both the substantially U-shaped plate and to the motor vehicle, it encloses the space between the back section of such vehicle and such cover and forms a substantially water-proof enclosure covering the space.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle includes a lower body and a vertically telescoping upper body. The upper body includes a second floor, fully suspended when the upper body is raised, and resting on stops when the upper body is lowered. A lift mechanism includes a take up drum, lift line, and pulley system to raise and lower the upper body including the upper portion of the telescopic elevator shaft while telescoping corner posts support and guide its motion. A elevator has bottom and top floors connected by vertical columns and a lift cable extending from the base of each column through top and bottom pulleys of an adjacent corner post to a power take up drum to raise and lower the elevator. A vertically movable bathroom is similarly provided.

Abstract: An improved liftable cover for a vehicle such as a light truck. A pair of center pivoted cross members mounted to the lateral sides of the vehicle to support and lift said cover. The improvement is two pairs of slidable hinges each having a block pivotally connected to ends of the cross members. This block is permitted limited horizontal movement along a cylinder rod mounted to the lateral sides of the vehicle. The cross members are U-shaped with an open end that overlies the block providing a low profile cover in the lowered position.

Abstract: A liftable cover assembly for the bed of a truck having sidewalls and a tail gate. The cover assembly comprises a rigid cover panel sized to encompass the entire truck bed, plural support legs for the cover panel, a height establishing mechanism, and a locking mechanism. The support legs comprise a pair of generally U-shaped members pivotally mounted on the sidewalls and pivotally connected to the cover panel to enable the cover panel to be lifted from a lower or closed position, wherein it is horizontally disposed over the bed on the sidewalls and the tailgate, to a raised or open position, wherein it is disposed and held horizontally a predetermined distance above the sidewalls. The height establishing mechanism is adjustable to establish various predetermined distances that the cover may be disposed over the truck bed in the open position. The locking mechanism includes an actuatable handle and plural associated latches for locking the cover panel in the closed position.

Abstract: An article of cloth attached to a vehicle of the type that has a cab (10) and attached bed (12), the article of cloth being both a tonneau cover and protective enclosure for humans. Tonneau cover top (18) attached to back of truck cab and perimeter of the truck bed becomes a shelter roof when raised and supported in a position parallel to the truck bed by elongated support members (16) set horizontal to and in the truck bed. Additional material (38) attached to tonneau cover top (18) and stored in the cover when in down position are sides and back of a protective enclosure (38) when released from storage in said tonneau cover/roof in its up position. The sides and back attached to the perimeter of the truck bed and attached to tonneau/roof supported by the elongated support members becomes an enclosed shelter for a human.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable enclosure suitable for a cargo vehicle, a passer vehicle, a stationary shelter or a stationary storage facility. An expansion unit is outwardly translatable from the enclosure by racks fixed to the unit. The expansion unit has first uprights fixed between the racks and second uprights fixed to the enclosure but having a sliding connection with the racks. Third uprights are disposed between the first and second uprights and are slidingly connected between the racks. The expansion unit may be mounted to the enclosure by the gears alone or may additionally be supported by a cantilever beam when the expansion unit is being deployed.

Abstract: A variable configurable shelter is disclosed mountable to walls defining the cargo carrying area of a truck. The shelter includes structure defining the upper portion of the shelter which is pivotably mounted at one end thereof to one of the walls for movement between first and second relative positions. The structure includes a relatively rigid shell which provides a protective cover over the cargo carrying area when the structure is in the second relative position. Shelter walls are connected with the structure and are maintained adjacent to the shell in the second relative position, the shelter walls being securable to the truck when the structure is moved to the first relative position to thus provide, in combination with the shell, a covered lodging at the cargo carrying area.

Abstract: A telescopic cover assembly comprises a fixed cover member fixedly mounted atop the walls of the load bed section of a vehicle, at least one movable cover member, and a track assembly mounted upon the walls and into which each movable cover member is slidably engaged.

Abstract: A cover assembly for the bed of a pickup truck includes a rigid cover which is mounted on the bed by a plurality of spring-loaded arms which allow the cover to be vertically moved between a stored, closed position and an open, extended position. The folding arms include adjustment means which permits the orientation of the arms in the closed position to be adjusted to a selected orientation. Counteracting springs are utilized to facilitate deployment of the cover assembly to the open, extended position.

Abstract: Telescoping upper and lower units are provided for use on the bed of a vehicle. Rotatable gears are supported on the inside of the lower unit and rack gears are secured to the inside of the upper unit for use for moving the upper unit to upward and downward positions relative to the lower unit. The rear ends of the upper and lower unit have upper and lower doors which are slidably relative to each other and are pivotally coupled to the rear walls of the upper and lower units for pivotal movement about aligned axes for opening and closing upper and lower door openings formed in the upper and lower units respectively. Rollers are provided on the bottom side of the lower unit and which may be moved to downward extending and retracted position for removing and/or installing the apparatus from or onto the bed of the vheicle. A plurality of support posts or legs are secured to the lower unit which are movaable to retracted and supporting positions for supporting the apparatus when removed from the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is an extendable compartment apparatus installed in a vehicle in such a manner that a platform can be cantilevered out from the vehicle body on an interlocking rail and bearing system. The apparatus includes a glidable platform, channel section stationary rails and angle section glidable rails. The glidable rails move along bearings which are located at the outermost end of the stationary rails and at the innermost end of the glidable rails, respectively. The glidable rails are limited in their movement such that they remain within the stationary structure along approximately one-third of their length. The platform can be mechanized using a DC motor and a rack-and-pinion gear system or worm gear. Finally, the glidable platform can be enclosed using side walls, a back wall, and a roof and thereby made weatherproof for use in combination with a camper vehicle.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle comprised of a front section is rigidly coupled to a rear section. This design allows the vehicle to be utilized similar to a motor home when coupled and yet uncoupled when desired. Four independent suspension and wheel assemblies support the trailer. Each of the four suspension pivot about an upright axis. The pivoting action of the suspension allows the front and rear sections to be rigidly coupled.

Abstract: A lift-roof cover 10 for a light truck open load bed 12, comprising a lift-roof structure 15 pivotally attached about a lateral axis A--A to the upper edge 44 of the cover forward wall 18, the forward wall 18 being fixedly mounted to the load bed 12 so that, alternately, secure weatherproof enclosure of the load bed 12 may be provided with the lift-roof structure 15 in a lowered position, or the lift-roof structure 15 may be raised at the rear about the lateral axis A--A, providing improved access to the load bed 12. A preferred embodiment incorporates the use of compression struts 74, 76 to provide lift assist in raising the lift-roof structure 15 and accommodates the application of flexible curtains 146 to provide full enclosure with the lift-roof structure 15 in a raised position, while maintaining commonality with methods of manufacture, handling, shipping and storage employed for high volume production load bed covers of the prior art.

Abstract: A vehicle with a retractable and extensible roof assembly including a ceiling for the vehicle having an opening formed at one end thereof, a load-supporting horizontally slidable closure member adapted to cover the opening in the ceiling, a vertically movable roof portion over the ceiling, movable between a fully extended portion and a retractable portion having flexible sidewalls between the movable roof portion and the ceiling, and utilizing both tension and compression spring biasing for aiding in the elevation of the roof to the fully extended position, and the lowering of the roof to the fully retracted position thereof.

Abstract: A self-contained temporary shelter comprising an expandable/collapsible sleeping compartment for use in conjunction with a vehicle is described. The temporary shelter is accessible through the interior rear of the vehicle. The sleeping compartment comprises a collapsible/extendable canopy covering and a collapsible/expandable support structure. Said compartment, during non-use, is collapsed and housed in a manually removable container and use thereof requires no material modification to the vehicle. Dust and rain covers are disclosed which attach to the vehicle and comprise protective enclosure for open portals of the vehicle. The sleeping compartment when in the as used, extended or open position is supported at the distal end by terrain engaging columns and defines a sleeping area.

Abstract: A vehicle bed cover assembly is provided, comprising a primary frame member having an exterior side and an interior side, fixedly connectable between the sidewalls of a vehicle bed, the frame member extending to a desired height above the sidewalls; a roller assembly for anchoring and storing a top cover, mounted on the primary frame member; a flexible top cover having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the roller assembly; a first rail for partially supporting the bed cover assembly, fixedly connected to one sidewall; a second rail for partially supporting the bed assembly, fixedly connected to one sidewall opposite the first rail; at least one movable frame member, removably connectable to the first and second rails in a fixed position between the sidewalls of the vehicle bed and extending to a desired height above the sidewalls; a hook assembly for attaching the flexible top cover to the movable frame member, fixedly connected to the second end of the top cover and connectable t

Abstract: A pickup truck camper shell is made of heavy-duty vinyl having fixed clear vinyl windows and zippered opening in rear. The vinyl is sewn to fit a three-piece pipe frame that slides vertically into inserts mounted to the bed of pickup truck. The shell drapes over frame and bottom of shell snaps to perimeter of pickup truck bed. The inserts are made of short pieces of pipe having a larger diameter than pipe of frame and plugged at the bottom. These inserts are mounted to L-shaped brackets that bolt to the inside sides of pickup truck bed. The inserts fasten to the brackets using steel straps. This portable shell is of foldable and knockdown construction for easy handling and storage. The portable pickup truck shell is angled in on all sides, flat on top, and is two-thirds the height of a pickup truck cab. There are two models of the portable camper shell, a roll bar and a non-roll bar model.

Abstract: A motor home has a rear, extensible room portion that does not require ground support. The extensible room portion comprises a rear wall, roof portion, and a pair of sidewalls having integral top extensions extending over 40% forwardly of the extensible room portion and serving as lever arms.

Abstract: A collapsible cap for a pickup truck box having separable front, back and intermediate panel members that sealingly connect along joints by releasable fasteners that may be operated by hand without the need of tools. The intermediate panel members are hinged and form side and top panel portions of the cap which are relatively pivotable whereby the top panel portions may be extended in a coplanar relation to said side panel portions to be storable in a flattened arrangement. Extruded connector strips with sealing gaskets extend along edges of the panel members for tight engagement between the pickup truck box and the cap and at joints between the collapsible cap panel members themselves. Manually operable releasable fasteners connect the cap to the box.

Abstract: An expandable vehicle sleeping compartment is mounted to an exterior side wall of a vehicle at an opening in the vehicle, extending and retracting horizontally therefrom when expanded. An inflatable air mattress and sleeping bag are disposed within the compartment upon expandable support structure and within a canopy. Access to the expanded compartment is through the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: An enclosed fluid storage tank for a fold-down trailer or similar vehicle which is mounted on the vehicle frame and extends into the vehicle chassis. Preferably, the fluid storage tank is mounted over the vehicle axle member to minimize the effect of varying fluid level and weight on the towing characteristics of the vehicle. In certain preferred embodiments, the fluid storage tank is mounted entirely below the top surface of the vehicle chassis and below the vehicle floor. The fluid storage tank can be secured to the vehicle chassis along two longitudinally extending ledges between a floor covering and two removable secodary longtiudinal support members. A vertically offset portion in the bottom surface of the fluid storage tank provides clearance for the vehicle axle member and a clearance channel provides clearance for lifting mechanism cables which extend through the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A motor home trailer unit and a self-contained van unit are close-coupled together as one rigid unitary assembly. Full access is provided between the van and the motor home trailer when close-coupled together, and the van is readily detached for use as a self-contained separate vehicle for travelling, towing a boat or the like. Connection is made by a coupling arrangement including two spaced apart and forward projecting connector guide elements adjacent each side of the trailer unit at the bottom and the top of the front end wall thereof, and corresponding spaced apart connector receptacles adjacent each side of the van unit at the bottom and the top of the rear end wall thereof. The connector guide elements are detachably engaged and locked within the receptacles by corresponding movable locking elements when the units are coupled in a rigid unitary assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle used for camping or the like includes a roof structure having an opening upon which is mounted a seperable cover panel. The cover panel can be moved from a closed position covering the opening to an open position in which it is suspended in cantilever arrangement outwardly from one side of the opening with a tent enclosure between the opening and the underside of the panel to cover an access area therebetween. A lever arrangement includes first and second levers which are connected for pivotal movement respectively at the side edge of the opening and the adjacent side edge of the panel. Third and fourth levers are connected each coupled to one of the first and second levers for pivotal movement with the third and fourth levers connected together between the first and second levers and exending outwardly therefrom to engage a cable.

Abstract: A hydraulic lifting system for use in raising and lowering a movable top, sized and located to cover an opening in a primary roof structure, includes a support structure attached to opposing longitudinal sides of the roof opening, a plurality of lifting linkages that are slidably attached to the support structure such that at least one pair of linkage is attached to opposing support structures, each lifting linkage is also pivotally attached to the movable top. In addition, a plurality of hydraulic push/pull devices are mounted on the support structure one each interposed between each pair of lifting linkage, so that each lifting linkage may be attached to the adjacent hydraulic push/pull device by a shaft projecting therefrom. Actuation of the hydraulic push/pull device urges the shafts to move in a push/pull relationship with the lifting linkages raising and lowering the top.

Abstract: An accessory for a roomy vehicle includes a box designed to be accommodated at the rear of the vehicle. A bottom panel is connected with two side walls, which are in turn connected togehter by three tubes at the level of the top of the box. The latter can be closed by articulated lids capable of forming, with a panel capable of being mounted in removable fashion on the front of the box, a horizontal sleeping plane.

Abstract: This relates to a foldable cover for a truck bed, particularly pickup truck beds. The foldable top includes a bed rail which may be readily secured to the truck bed and the bed rail carries a pair of transversely aligned primary support hinges which serve as the sole support for the foldable support frame. The support frame is formed of a plurality of generally U-shaped frame members with only a rearwardly extending frame member being pivotally connected to the primary hinges and the connection between lower rear ends of a front frame member being carried by forward lower ends of the rear frame member in a manner wherein the bottom ends of the forward frame member move rearwardly as the support frame is folded from an upright cover supporting position to a collapsed position whereby a cross bar of the front frame member moves substantially in a vertical plane so as to clear at all times the rear of a truck cap.

Abstract: A tent-like enclosure installable on the cargo box of a pickup truck to protect cargo or humans within the box. The enclosure is supported on the box by means of a frame structure that includes two inverted U-shaped frame elements having downwardly-extending legs slidably positioned within guide sleeves that are mounted within pre-existing stake pockets (sockets) in the cargo box side walls.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly enabling the selective covering of an area such as the bed of a pickup truck of the like. The assembly includes a plurality of extendable and collapsible cover sections interconnected by an actuating system. The actuating system enables the rear cover section of the assembly to be pivoted to a collapsed or extended position by a pivoting structure having unique cam and leverage characteristics. The entire assembly can be selectively power operated or locked into position using a clutch mechanism associated with the actuation system. The enclosure assembly affords simple and effective operation to provide for the convenient use of the truck bed or similar area.

Abstract: A contractible truck cover is set forth slidably secured within spaced parallel rails secured interiorly of a truck bed. The truck cover is contractible in an accordion style fashion to compress against the forwardmost wall of the truck bed. Spaced first and second links secure "U" shaped rails wherein third and fourth links are secured between the rails at the apex of each downwardly oriented "U" shaped rail to provide rigidity to a skeleton framework securing thereto a flexible canopy. The canopy and framework is removably attached to the spaced rails and a floor panel is securable to lowermost edges of the canopy by a zipper connection including a second door panel replaceable for a first door panel to provide a tent structure when the cover is removed from the truck bed.

Abstract: A camping conversion for motor vehicles having an open interior compartment. The conversion includes a floor panel supported by tracks and retractable beneath the vehicle floor, and an auxiliary pop-out compartment which protrudes from the side of the vehicle and is retractable into the vehicle interior. In the extended position, the auxiliary pop-out compartment rests on the extended floor panel. The auxiliary pop-out compartment has telescoping sidwalls which overlap one another when retracted to save interior space.

Abstract: An inexpensive, lightweight camper is releasably mountable about trunk portions of an automobile without requiring the formation of holes in the automobile body. The camper has a flat floor and front, rear, top and side walls which are foldable to compactly overlie the trunk of the automobile. In the extended position, the camper is relatively large and has the capability of sleeping at least two adults. In the collapsed position, the camper is substantially reduced in size for over-the-road travel. The camper includes a canopy having depending flanges which enclose the remainder of the camper when the camper is in a collapsed position. The expense of the camper is minimized by the use of cardboard as a construction material.

Abstract: Recreational vehicles such a motor homes are either self-contained or consist of a cab-type drive unit with a fifth wheel connection for the motor home component. The present device comprises a motor home unit and a self-contained van unit with the units being close-coupled together as one rigid assembly. Full access is provided when connected between the van and the motor home and the van is readily detached and can be used as a self-contained separate vehicle for travelling towing a boat or the like. Connection is by detachable connecting the front ends of the longitudinal chassis members of the motor home unit to the rear ends of the longitudinal chassis members of the van and the van is a front wheel drive unit with steerable front wheels and selectively steerable rear wheels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pickup truck having a cab and a bed with a disappearing camper built into the bed, i.e., one which has a lower concealed position and an upper camper position with each side wall of the camper being made in three sections from panel material such as plywood, fiber glass, plastic, etc., having at least a part thereof made of transparent material to serve as windows for the camper. Each side wall has four support rods, one secured to the front edge of the front section, a second secured to the back edge of the front section and the front edge of the middle section, a third secured to the back edge of the middle section and the front edge of the back section, and a fourth secured to the back edge of the back section. The middle section is of variable height to accomodate the rear wheel humps in the bed. Three embodiments of means to raise and lower the camper are disclosed, viz.

Abstract: A camper and a pickup truck are combined so that the camper can be stored in the cargo area of the pickup truck in a manner that does not interfere with the operation of the pickup truck. The camper has rigid walls so the camper is suitable for use in inclimate weather conditions, yet the cargo area of the truck is essentially unobstructed when the camper is in the stored configuration. The camper top is stored on top of the bed of the truck.

Abstract: A removable canopy cover for an open truck bed. A cap having an inverted U-shaped rearwardly directed edge is provided over the front end of the bed, and a movable hoop having a forwardly directed edge is provided over the rear of the truck bed. The inwardly directed edges of the side walls, cap and hoop are channeled to receive the conforming edges of a multiple panel cover. The panels are foldable for compact storage and when unfolded, conform to the corresponding inwardly directed edges of the cap, hoop and side walls. The rear hoop is moved rearwardly, the cover positioned at the edges of the cap and the side walls, and the hoop pushed forward to trap and interconnect the cover as between the side walls, cap and hoop. A locking member in the form of a support bar extends between the hoop and cap. The support bar telescopes to permit the rearward movement of the hoop and includes a lock member that locks the bar against telescoping as desired.

Abstract: A collapsible camper top for pick-up trucks which is characterized by multiple nesting and telescoping sections which are sealed by bottom and top reverse curved, rubber seal members and are adapted to extend and cove the bed of a pick-up truck. The number of nesting sections which are used is dictated by the length of the pick-up truck bed and the sections are nested and retracted in accordion-like fashion inside a fixed section to expose the bed of the pick-up truck for hauling purposes. In a preferred embodiment the nesting sections are mounted on rollers which operate in plate slots provided in roller plates carried by the side rails of the pick-up truck. In another preferred embodiment the nesting sections are extended and retracted by means of a chain drive system which is operated by an electric motor or is capable of hand-operation by a crank.